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.
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 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.
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.
