John as enjoyed a highly successful career leading private and public sector organisations. He has extensive experience working with all levels of Government including his time as the Director General of NSW Department of Premiers & Cabinet and prior to this he led the Department of Commerce and Transport for NSW.
John has a degree in Health Education and was up until recently the Deputy Chair of Health and Wellbeing Queensland. He has also served on the Western Sydney Area Health Board (inc Westmead Hospital).
His current portfolio includes:
He has also served on several Boards other including: Australian Sports Commission, Tourism & Events Queensland, and the Australian Advertising Standards Bureau.
John has not been directly impacted by Melanoma, however he has family and friends who have been diagnosed with early stages Melanoma and worked with them in providing support and care.
Karen is a Senior Policy Adviser with the South Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry with a background in Workplace Relations and Advocacy. Karen’s initial diagnosis occurred in 2011 when she discovered a melanoma on her back which was excised. In Early 2013 she discovered a lump under her right arm and was referred to a surgeon for surgery followed by radiotherapy.
Within 6 months Karen’s disease had progressed to stage IV. A lack of treatment options other than chemotherapy lead Karen to research clinical trials and for the next two years Karen flew fortnightly to Melbourne to participate in the pembrolizumab arm of the phase III MK3475-006/Keynote-006 clinical trial. Within three months it was clear that Karen had responded well and gratitude led to her taking up the facilitator role for MPA in South Australia and presenting to third year medical students as part of University of Adelaide Cancer Voices Survivors as Teachers program.
Professor Mark Smithers AM is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and a Member of the Order of Australia 2018. He is a surgeon involved in the management of patients with all stages of melanoma for over 30 years.
Melanoma interests:
Surgeon involved in the management of patients with all stages of melanoma for 26 years.
Senior surgeon at the Melanoma Clinic at the Princess Alexandra Hospital
Research involvement:
Epidemiology of melanoma in Queensland – Collaboration with the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Epidemiology Unit.
Assessment of the outcomes of patients with high risk primary and secondary melanoma.
Phase I-III trials in the surgical and medical management of patients with stage III and IV melanoma. These include locally based studies as well as collaboration in national and international trials.
Ruth joins the MPA Board in 2021 as a qualified Medical Scientist with strategic and patient-focused Medical, Scientific, Advisory and Program and Project Management expertise across biotechnology / pharmaceutical industry, academia, state government, and public and private clinical health sectors.
Following a 16 year clinical career as a Medical Scientist specialising in Haematology and Immunohaematology/Transfusion Medicine, Ruth embarked on biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry career as a Medical Affairs professional, with expertise across Oncology, Haematology, Rare Disease, Endocrinology, Immunology, Neuroscience and Dermatology therapeutic portfolios. Underpinning her professional career, Ruth’s academic credentials include a combined Master of Biotechnology / Executive MBA with Distinction from RMIT University, a Bachelor of Commerce from The University of Queensland (UQ), and a Bachelor of Medical Science from Queensland University of Technology (QUT).
Ruth is an advocate for disease prevention, early diagnosis, timely and equitable access to therapeutic options for patients in need, and patient-centric care, and is passionate about the role of science in improving health care, clinical outcomes and quality of life for patients. She is excited to work with the MPA team in its purpose to support, connect and advocate for Australians affected by melanoma, and work towards its prevention.
Clayton Ford is a senior corporate affairs leader with extensive experience in government relations and public policy, communications and reputation management, and corporate responsibility across a range of countries and industries. He is currently Director of Communications and Public Affairs with Torrens Global Education, and most recently was Senior Manager Public Policy ANZ with Amazon Web Services (AWS), and prior to that Chief Communications Officer for .au Domain Administration (auDA) – the Government-endorsed administrator of Australia’s .au Internet domain.
Clayton has previously established and led corporate affairs teams for 7-Eleven and an ASX100 manufacturer, with prior experience across fast moving consumer goods (in Australian, European and global roles), pharmaceuticals and the Australian government.
Clayton is a Fellow of the Centre for Corporate Public Affairs and holds a Master of Business Management and Bachelor of Arts (Social Sciences) from Monash University.
Clayton was diagnosed with a Clark Level 3 invasive acral melanoma on the sole of his foot in 2022, which he was incredibly fortunate to have detected, diagnosed, and excised before it had spread further. Clayton credits his annual medical check-ups to raising his awareness that melanomas can appear anywhere, even in rarely sun-exposed areas. His personal experience has also increased his understanding of the difference – and potential severity – of melanoma compared to other skin cancers. Clayton has joined the MPA Board to help share his experience and raise awareness of the importance of prevention and early detection.
Margie holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of New South Wales and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Her strong focus on professional development & active participation in industry organizations underscores her dedication to ongoing learning & excellence in governance.
Margie is an experienced Board, Committee Member and Commercial Director with over a decade of board-level experience in the global healthcare sector. Throughout her career, she has developed a strong depth and breadth of leadership, business acumen, and governance expertise. She leverages this to help organizations set strategy, achieve their aspirations and growth, and ensure effective governance.
Margie is currently on the board of SAMSN, Australia’s leading organisation for male survivors of child sexual abuse and their supporters. Previously, Margie served as a subsidiary Statutory and Commercial Director for the global healthcare company, Organon. Prior to that, she worked at MSD, a top worldwide healthcare company, where as a longstanding member of the leadership team, she held various leadership roles, including Executive Commercial Director & Executive Director of Commercial Operations.
She is proud of the positive impact she has had on people’s lives throughout her career, including the launch of lifesaving medicines and her strong leadership contributions to boards and to the teams she has led.
Margie is very familiar personally and professionally of the impact & extent of melanoma in Australia. Personally, in recent years, she experienced the loss of a close relative following a long battle with melanoma . Professionally, Margie has lead teams and worked in the area of oncology for many years. This included a career highlight time at MSD, when she lead the initial launch planning for one of the early breakthrough immunotherapy treatments for melanoma. These revolutionary treatment options continue to bring much hope for so many patients and their families.
Nicole is a highly regarded, modern leader with diverse background in health sector strategy, management and marketing, with varied industry and board experience over a successful 25+ year career.
Nicole has demonstrated robust leadership and directorship in diverse and complex teams and programmes of work in FMCG, financial services and not forprofit sectors. As General Manager at HBF Health, Nicole leads significant initiatives that have transformed service offerings, go-to-market strategy, customer relationship management and use of technology for improved outcomes. These experiences have honed Nicole’s ability to develop organisational strategy and deep understanding for the accountability required of boards operating in the patient interest.
Nicole has held Board positions across diverse sectors and organisational structures including NFP Interchange WA in disability services, Curtin University Management & Marketing Advisory Board, Tiller Rides start-up and others. I have an advanced understanding of the health sector’s compliance, governance, risk management, funding, and contracting arrangements, having led large teams in highly regulated environments. I operate with unwavering integrity, confidentiality and professionalism in all matters, maintaining governance, controls and legislative structures beyond reproach.
In addition to her professional experience, Nicole brings a deeply personal connection to Melanoma Patients Australia. Her health journey includes recovery from stage 4 metastatic melanoma at 40 yrs of age, including participation in a global personalised medicine Phase 2 clinical trial. This lived experience has fuelled Nicole’s desire to influence healthcare experience, where every interaction, process improvement and strategic decision directly impacts the lives of patients and their families.
Annie is an experienced and purpose-driven leader with a career spanning over 17 years in supportive cancer care, health, and the non-profit sector. She brings a strong track record of impact across service delivery, advocacy, leadership, and system transformation. Her professional journey reflects a deep commitment to improving health outcomes and equity, especially for people affected by cancer.
With qualifications in Business, Management, and Life Coaching, Annie has recently built a diverse portfolio career across consulting, coaching, and consumer health roles.
Some of Annies current projects include managing government grants for a peak health organisation, small- and large-scale consulting roles across the NFP and public sectors and various CEO and senior leadership coaching projects. She is also actively involved in several research initiatives focused on survivorship in oncology as well as consumer roles.
Annie’s personal experience with breast cancer, combined with her role as a carer for her best friend who died from metastatic cancer, underpins her passion for meaningful and lasting change. While not directly impacted by melanoma, her lived experience continues to drive her advocacy and consumer representation in cancer care.
Annie brings to the boardroom a strong consumer voice, strategic thinking, leadership, and a collaborative mindset. She is passionate about reducing disparities in healthcare and ensuring the needs of patients, families, and communities are central to service design and delivery.
Current Consumer Roles:
With a finger on the pulse of Australia’s STEM ecosystem, Dr Marguerite Evans-Galea AM is an influential leader change-making at the interface of industry, academia and government. Spear-heading a national health industry initiative, Dr Evans-Galea is currently the Director of Australia’s Cell and Gene Catalyst; a joint venture of AusBiotech and Medicines Australia which works to accelerate the cell and gene industry and increase access to these world-class therapies.
Marguerite became a scientist to help people. With a PhD in genetics, her multi-million-dollar career portfolio includes leading international research programs in cell and gene therapies in the United States and Australia, and establishing and leading high-impact STEM policy and national workforce initiatives with the Australian Learned Academies.
An internationally recognised advocate, Dr Evans-Galea played a pivotal role in elevating diversity and inclusion in Australian STEM to the national agenda. As co-founder of Women in STEMM Australia, she represented Australia at the APEC Women in STEM & Entrepreneurship meetings and served on the Victorian Ministerial Council for Women’s Equality. Dr Evans-Galea is currently an ambassador for Women in STEMM Australia and serves on the Advisory Board of Business Women Australia.
Growing up in North Queensland, melanoma has been present in Marguerite’s life since a young age, personally and professionally, with family, friends and colleagues affected. Knowing the devastating consequences melanoma can have, she is strongly committed to supporting Melanoma Patients Australia. She also knows the power of consumer advocacy and networks having worked closely with patients as a medical researcher and board chair of the Australian Sickle Cell Advocacy. Dr Evans-Galea considers the patient voice to be of vital importance within Australia’s health ecosystem.
Dr Evans-Galea has received awards for her research and leadership and is an inductee of the Victorian Honour Roll of Women and a Member of the Order of Australia.
Melanoma Patients Australia recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Australia, and we acknowledge, respect and embrace their continued connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and emerging.
We recognise, value and celebrate diversity and act in the spirit of inclusion.
