John joined the MPA Board in 2015 and was elected Chairman in July 2016. John has a long career in senior management roles in the agricultural sector.
His background provides him a wide understanding of business management and advocacy at all levels of industry and Government. John is currently Chairman of the Northern Co-operative Meat Company, a globally recognised farmer owned Co-operative. He is currently Chairman of the Co-operative Alliance in northern New South Wales and represents the industry at both State and national levels.
John has a strong rural focus and has a particular interest in rural health issues. After being diagnosed with a potentially life threating invasive form of squamous cell carcinoma whilst living in western NSW, John appreciates the importance of support and information for patients having difficulty accessing specialised treatment.
John has a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (UNE) and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Victoria commenced her leadership career in the not-for-profit world after working within the commercial sector in senior executive, business development, marketing and event management roles.
Victoria has been a CEO, Director and Senior Strategist in the charity sector for fourteen years.
With a deep passion for social justice and consumer advocacy, Victoria has a special interest in health and achieving the best possible outcomes for those affected by melanoma.
Victoria enjoys working closely with Boards’ on business strategy, governance and risk, successful delivery of major contracts and projects, fundraising and financial diversification.
Victoria holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree in Economics and Law, post graduate diploma from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK) and Australian Institute of Company Directors, Company Directors Course.
Daniel co-founded Melanoma Patients Australia, together with Brent Grace in 2006 and has served on the Board since the organisation’s inception.
Daniel has extensive professional experience in Private Equity and Strategy fields through his work as a management consultant with McKinsey & Co in Sydney and New York, CEO of Sands Group, and now Managing Director of Redwood North, a Private Equity and Real Estate Investment Firm.
Daniel has completed an MBA from Columbia Business School in New York, an LLB/ B.Com (Accounting) from Bond University, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Marie-Claire has a background in clinical social work and holds post-graduate degrees in social policy, research and management.
She has experience in a range of clinical, policy, research, academic and senior management roles within health and social care, having worked in government, higher education, commercial and non-profit sectors in a career spanning over thirty years. Marie-Claire’s most recent previous roles include: National Clinical Director for 1800RESPECT, the national telephone and online counselling service for people impacted by sexual assault and domestic and family violence and Director of Support Programs for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
Marie-Claire is currently working as a consultant with health, human services and social care organisations in the areas of strategic planning, psychosocial program innovation and development, quality assurance and improvement. She also facilitates training and professional development in the areas of leadership and management in the health and social care sector. She is a previous National Vice-President of the Australian Association of Social Workers (2008 – 2011; 2016 – 2018). Marie-Claire is a 2012 Winston Churchill Fellow. Her research involved an overseas study of social work education and workforce planning in the United States, Canada, England and Denmark, exploring contemporary workforce needs and the readiness to practice of social work graduates.
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 30.
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.
Karen is a stage IV melanoma survivor who is now an advocate for and supporter of other melanoma patients. Karen was diagnosed in 2011 with a Clark level III melanoma.
She was subsequently diagnosed in mid-2013 at stage IV melanoma. She was treated with Keytruda as part of a trial from October 2013 to October 2015 and has shown no evidence of disease in regular scans since that time.
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.
Klaus is the Managing Director and Co-Founder of ASX listed health tech company 1st Group Ltd and the company’s online healthcare appointments marketplace www.myhealth1st.com.au which was launched in 2012, is a Member of Australian Institute of Company Directors, and is the founder and team captain of the Vision Crusaders cycling team which has been recognized by Sir Richard Branson for the team’s fund-raising work in support of Cancer Research.
Klaus is a Melanoma and Leukemia survivor. Klaus was diagnosed in 2000 with a Clark Level III Melanoma but remained silent about his diagnosis and treatment for over a decade puzzled by the lack of empathy and understanding by workplace colleagues, friends and even family. Inspired by a friend, Klaus became a cyclist to raise money for cancer research at the inaugural Ride to Conquer Cancer in 2011 which he opened with a speech to over 1500 cyclists and their supporters. Since then, Klaus and the team he formed, the Vision Crusaders raising over $1.6m for cancer research over the next 5 years.
In 2013 Klaus was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia, APL, and has had 6 additional Melanoma’s and is now a public advocate of his experiences and journey. While “cured” of leukemia Klaus remains vigilant of possible new Melanoma’s and skin cancers.
