The Digital Health CRC today announces the appointment of Kate Munnings as Chair, effective as of 7 February 2022.
Ms Munnings succeeds Mr Michael Walsh, who is retiring from the DHCRC Board after serving as Chair since 2019.
As CEO of Virtus Health, Ms Munnings has a strong track record in operating complex health services. She is passionate about the improvements in both patient outcomes and experiences that result from the integration of digital solutions in healthcare.
Ms Munnings, who has also been a Director of the DHCRC since 2019, thanked Mr Walsh for his ongoing support and dedication to the organisation.
“Michael is retiring from the Board to allow him to develop his work with our large and diverse partner network. This will avoid any conflicts of interest in doing so and maintain the independence requirements of the DHCRC’s Chair,” Ms Munnings said.
“I’d like to personally thank Michael for his tireless efforts in guiding the DHCRC through a change of leadership and without a doubt a challenging time for our sector as we continue to navigate the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
The DHCRC team also thanked Mr Walsh for his stewardship of the DHCRC and support and welcomed Kate as Chair, bringing a strong commercial acumen to the organisation and impressive leadership experience.
Outgoing Chair, Mr Walsh said he was looking forward to staying connected to the DHCRC and its Participant organisations.
“I’d like to thank the DHCRC Board, its team and the Participant organisations who are the driving force behind the many exciting projects in delivery,” Mr Walsh said.
“The DHCRC has gone through a remarkable amount of growth since I commenced as Chair, and this has been a result of the ongoing commitment from Participants and the hard work of staff and Directors.
“The ongoing acceleration of digital health across all areas of healthcare service delivery showcases why the DHCRC and its vital work is not only important, but essential for our sector.”
The DHCRC also bids a fond farewell to Priscilla Rogers, who has been a Director since 2019. Ms Rogers is embarking on a new era in her life and family and the Board thanks her for her considered, hardworking and valuable contribution to the DHCRC.
Dr Megan Robertson will step into the role of Deputy Chair and retain her role as Chair of the DHCRC’s Research and Education Committee.
The DHCRC Board has appointed Ms Jenny Morawska to fill one of the casual vacancies, who was nominated by DHCRC members in 2021. Ms Morawska has a strong commercial and university background with deep global technology and finance experience as a CEO and Senior Executive across multiple industries and diverse stakeholder groups.
Nominations from Members will be sought to fill the second casual vacancy and both appointments will be confirmed at a meeting of the members.
The Digital Health CRC
The Digital Health CRC is Australia’s leading organisation for digital health innovation and commercialisation.
The last calendar year has seen the organisation continue to evolve and remain at the forefront of innovation across all areas of healthcare. At the end of 2021, the Digital Health CRC maximised its Commonwealth funding by signing new projects and meeting project milestones, taking committed R&D project expenditure to a total of $26.7million (as of 31 December 2021).
The Digital Health CRC has also continued to welcome new Participants over this period, signing on healthcare provider, Epworth Healthcare and industry partner, Max Kelsen.
