The National Asthma Council Australia has announced longstanding director Dr Joanna Wriedt as its new Chair of the Board.
Outgoing Chair Dr Jonathan Burdon AM retired at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting in November, following four impactful years of serving as the Chair of the Board and three years as a Director prior to taking that office.
Dr Wriedt MSc, PhD, JD, GAICD has been an independent director of the National Asthma Council Australia since 2013. With qualifications in medical research and law, she brings to the table sound experience in governance, policy and health in the not-for-profit, legal and government sectors.
“This is an exciting time for the National Asthma Council Australia, and I am delighted to be stepping into the role of Chair to help shape the future of the organisation,” said Dr Wriedt.
“I’m looking forward to building on Dr Burdon’s legacy and continuing to deliver the organisation’s strategic plan.”
National Asthma Council Australia Chief Executive Officer Ms Siobhan Brophy said she was very pleased to welcome Dr Wriedt to the role and looked forward to working with her in her new capacity.
“Joanna has been an active and strategic member of our Board and played a key role during a time of change for the organisation. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience and I am sure we will continue to prosper under her leadership.”
Three new directors have also been appointed to the National Asthma Council Australia as part of the Board renewal.
Professor Peter Wark is the new independent director (respiratory physician), replacing Dr Burdon. Professor Wark has a long association with the National Asthma Council Australia as a trusted advisor and member of its Guidelines Committee. Among his many professional affiliations, Professor Wark is a senior staff specialist in Respiratory and Sleep Medicine at John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle and a conjoint Professor with the University of Newcastle.
Professor Amanda Barnard is the new Royal Australian College of General Practitioners nominee director, replacing Professor Bastian Seidel. Professor Barnard is a founding member of the National Asthma Council Australia’s GP Asthma Advisory Group and has chaired its Guidelines Committee since 2010. She is the Interim Head of School, School of Medicine, Charles Sturt University and Western Sydney University joint program in medicine, and maintains her rural clinical practice.
Dr Sara Barnes is the new Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy nominee director, replacing Professor Robert Heddle. Dr Barnes is a Melbourne-based allergy specialist and immunologist and is Head of the Allergy Unit at Monash Health.
Dr Wriedt welcomed the new directors and paid tribute to her retiring colleagues, noting that many words of thanks and recognition have already been said about Dr Burdon.
“Alongside Dr Burdon, the contributions of Professors Bob Heddle and Bastian Seidel have been invaluable to the organisation over the past 3 years and 4 years, respectively, providing sage advice and strategic input from their own unique viewpoints and understanding of their professions. I thank both Bob and Bastian for their commitment and wish them well in their future endeavours,” said Dr Wriedt.
“The Board is looking forward to the combination of experience and new perspectives that our incoming Directors will bring to the organisation. This renewal places the National Asthma Council Australia in good stead for continued growth and success.”
For further information, or to arrange an interview with a National Asthma Council Australia spokesperson, please contact:
Lelde McCoy, the Reputation Group
Mob: 0417 362 768
Email: [email protected]
