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Kathy Hilyard has been named Interim CEO of Catholic Health Australia (CHA) following the resignation of Jason Kara after three years in the job.
Kathy has agreed to lead the CHA team and provide guidance to the Board of Directors over the next few months, as CHA continues its important advocacy work on behalf of its members and stakeholders.
CHA Board Chair Jenny Parker paid tribute to Jason’s work during his time at the helm, and welcomed Kathy to the role.
“Since taking on the role in October 2023, Jason has led a strong advocacy team, helping to foster great relationships with portfolio ministers and their departments as well as governments more broadly,” Jenny said.
“Under his leadership, some important reforms to the Aged Care Act have been won and we continued with our campaign to bring the dire financial position of private hospitals to the fore, among other achievements. Jason goes with our very best wishes for his next career move.
“Kathy has extensive experience in leadership roles and has been working with the CHA Board and our members on a new three year Strategy. She is a serving member of the Board of the Institute of Public Administration Australia ACT and co-founded the Centre for Collective Leadership, a for-purpose organisation. She will make a great contribution to CHA.
“On behalf of the Board, I would also like to congratulate the CHA team on the work they are doing on behalf of our members and ministries.”
Kathy said she was thrilled to have accepted the invitation to join as interim CEO.
“I would like to acknowledge the expertise and energy that Jason has brought to this role and the significant achievements that he and the team, have delivered in advocacy and influence during his leadership,” she said.
“I look forward to working with this incredibly talented team, the Board and with our members in the coming few months to continue the important work of CHA as a trusted partner, ensuring the Catholic Health and aged care sector has a voice in shaping health and aged care policy; contributing to sector reform; and continuing to foster collaborative environments to share knowledge and improvements across the sector.”
Recruitment for a new CEO has begun, and the successful candidate will be announced in due course.
