Following an extensive search process to identify a suitable successor, Elizabeth Foley has been appointed to the Board of HeartKids Limited as the organisation’s new Chair following the departure of Jan McClelland who presided in the role for six-years.

Commencing on Monday, April 4, 2022, Elizabeth brings exceptional and highly relevant skills and knowledge to HeartKids Limited. This includes extensive experience in health research and patient support organisations, the fundraising sector and stakeholder engagement with senior political and bureaucratic levels of federal, state and territory governments.

Over the past ten years, Elizabeth has worked in the Australian health and medical research sector, five years as CEO and managing director of Research Australia, six years on the Board of the Population Health Research Network (PHRN), and three years creating the Digital Health Cooperative Research Centre (DHCRC).

Most recently, Elizabeth led a digital transformation project for The Australian Institute of Project Management, which resulted in an increase in membership and services offered, and a dynamic turnaround in profitability. Elizabeth is currently on the Board of the Australian National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS) and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.

Speaking of her appointment, Elizabeth said, “Following the achievements of Jan McClelland, I am as ambitious to see Australians who have congenital heart disease or who develop heart disease as children lead fulfilling and healthy lives.”

After six years as the inaugural Chair of HeartKids Limited and having helped to secure significant Federal funding to aid the national charity’s important ongoing work, Jan felt it was time for her to hand over to a successor who could lead HeartKids Limited in its next chapter.

Reflecting on her time with HeartKids Limited, Jan said, “It has been a great honour and privilege to be the inaugural Chair of HeartKids Limited. I have really enjoyed working with my fellow Directors, CEO and staff of HeartKids as well as the many members of our broader HeartKids community including volunteers, clinicians, researchers and supporters.

They generously give their time, expertise and support so that children, young adults and adults with congenital and acquired childhood heart disease can lead fulfilling and healthy lives.

“I feel very proud of our work together in helping HeartKids Limited to gain recognition as the national organisation delivering much needed programs and services to more than 65,000 people impacted by CHD across Australia. Together, we have provided a strong foundation for the future growth and development of HeartKids.”