Dr Jennifer Fitzgerald, CEO of Scope (Aust), is the 2016 Telstra Victorian Business Woman of the Year, announced at the 2016 Telstra Victorian Business Women’s Awards in Melbourne.

Dr Fitzgerald has worked in the health, aged care, community and disability sectors throughout her career, spanning 34 years. She is now the CEO of Scope, an organisation supporting young people with physical, intellectual and multiple disabilities and developmental delays.

Dr Fitzgerald is leading Scope through a time of substantial change, as the disability service sector moves choice from control from government and provider to the individual.

“The disability service sector is undergoing transformative change. I am determined to use my skills and knowledge to ensure the for-purpose sector remains a vibrant and sustainable choice for people with a disability,” Dr Fitzgerald said.

Dr Fitzgerald is also the winner of the 2016 Telstra Victorian Business Women’s For Purpose and Social Enterprise Award.

Other business women recognised at the 2016 Telstra Victorian Business Women’s Awards are: Jacqueline Savage from MedCorp Technologies (Entrepreneur Award), Dr Rowan Brookes from Monash University (Public Sector and Academia Award), Diana Taylor from CT Management Group (Corporate and Private Award) and Anna Ross from Kester Black (Young Business Woman of the Year).

Joe Pollard, Telstra Business Women’s Awards Ambassador, Group Executive Media, and Chief Marketing Officer, said that the Victorian winners are exceptional business women.

“The winners of the 2016 Telstra Victorian Business Woman of the Year are brilliant, passionate and courageous women who are thriving in their chosen fields. Not only do they have the courage to challenge the status quo but they also demonstrate exceptional business acumen and strong leadership skills,” Ms Pollard said.

Now in their 22nd year, the Telstra Business Women’s Awards are Australia’s longest running and most esteemed women’s awards program in Australia. They recognise and reward the courage, leadership and creativity of brilliant business women.

State and Territory category winners will be flown to Melbourne for the National Awards judging, culminating in a glittering Gala Dinner on the night of Wednesday 16 November 2016.