The new Board to lead a merged Banyule Community Health and Merri Health has been confirmed.
Both boards endorsed an independent process that comprised of four Directors from each organisation and one new Director.
An independent process has been conducted to select the Board Directors, based on the best mix of specialist skills and experience, necessary to lead the “New Organisation” through this exciting new chapter.
A new Chair will be elected by the Board if the merger is approved at the Special General Meetings.
The Board Directors are:
Tass Mousaferiadis
Tass has held leadership roles in health and social policy, program and strategy development within the Victorian Government, and health and community sectors. He is currently Board Chair of Eastern Health, Acting Board Chair of the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, and is a Board Director of Foodbank Victoria. Tass is a proud member of the Hepburn Shire Council LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee.
Stephen Bendle
Stephen is an experienced executive within the public health and community development sectors. He was the National Director of the peak body for organ and tissue donation and is currently a senior Advocacy Advisor for the Alannah & Madeline Foundation. Stephen joined the Banyule Community Health Board in 2021.
Sam Garrasi
Sam has over 20 years’ experience in a range of senior management and executive roles in the acute public health sector. Until recently, he was Chief Financial Officer at the Royal Women’s Hospital. Sam has been a Merri Health Board member for over four years.
Shannon Gleeson
Shannon is a proud Wiradjuri woman and has had a successful career in leadership roles within the public health system and the not-for-profit space. Shannon joined the Banyule Community Health Board of Directors in 2022.
Anne Jungwirth
Anne has worked in health education and health services for over 30 years, including policy development and as CEO of a rural community health service. Anne joined the Merri Health Board in 2021 and is the current Chair. She is also a Board member of Ralac, a community-based housing and aged care provider.
Chiara Lawry
Chiara is a qualified lawyer, former public policy advisor and is currently the CEO of management consulting firm, Right Lane Consulting. She was a founding volunteer and board member at the Oaktree Foundation and has worked with indigenous organisations in the Cape York Peninsula and the Tiwi Islands. Chiara joined the Merri Health Board in 2023.
Dr. Danielle Panaccio
Danielle is a specialist general physician, and an experienced medical educator, teaching medical students and supervising physician trainees. Danielle is a current Merri Health Board member and a member of the Australasian Institute for Clinical Governance.
Michael Smith
Michael has extensive professional experience in youth work, homelessness, local government, community development, health justice and management. He is the current Board Chair of Banyule Community Health, as well as Board Chair of knowmore and CEO of Eastern Community Legal Centre.
Jessica Walker
Jessica has more than 20 years’ experience in leadership roles in the Federal and Victorian Governments, and in the not-for-profit sector. She brings expertise in policy, communications, and government relations. Jessica has been a Banyule Community Health Board Director since 2022.
The Banyule Community Health Board and the Merri Health Board have unanimously endorsed the nine Directors to lead the new organisation after the upcoming Special General Meetings.
Members can direct any questions to the CEO Office at questions@bchs.org.au.