BCH appoints new permanent CEO

BELLARINE Community Health (BCH) has announced its new chief executive officer.

The board appointed of Kathy Russell to the organisation’s top role on Tuesday this week.

Having served as acting CEO over the past few months while an extensive recruitment process was conducted, Ms Russell was appointed to the role for a three-year term, effective immediately.

“We’ve undergone a rigorous recruitment process facilitated by specialist health sector recruitment company HRS,” BCH Board chair Fay Agterhuis said.

“A board-selected panel which included community representation conducted the interviews, and we are delighted with the outcome.

“We are confident she will continue to build and elevate the presence of BCH in our community in the challenging economic environment faced by the health sector.”

Ms Russell was previously serving as BCH’s chief financial officer the past few years, and boasts more than 25 years’ experience in the not-for-profit, hospital, disability, and community health sectors.

She said she was prepared to lead BCH into the future in her new role.

“My motivation to continuing to work in this space is to make a difference. The social determinants of health have a major impact on people’s health, well-being and quality of life and community health is ideally placed to influence this.

“The volunteer pioneers who first established community health for residents on the Bellarine more than 50 years ago knew that strong, vibrant and connected communities are healthy communities and it’s a privilege to be part of this history.”

Garry Ellis was appointed as BCH CEO in September, 2020, and announced his departure in February.