Governance

Professor Mary Foley AM

Independent Chair

Professor Mary Foley has held senior leadership roles across government, health, the private sector and not-for-profit organisations. She was Director General and Secretary of NSW Health for a five-year term and has held roles including National Health Practice Leader for PwC Australia and Chief Executive of St Vincent’s and Mater Health Sydney. 

Mary is an Adjunct Professor at Western Sydney University and a Board Director of Research Australia. She has also served as Deputy Chancellor of Western Sydney University, Director of the National eHealth Transition Authority, Deputy Chair of the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council and Board Director of the Garvan Institute of Medical Research. Mary was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2016 for her contribution to public administration in health and education. 

Scott McLachlan

CCRI Board Member
Chief Executive
Central Coast Local Health District

Scott McLachlan has held leadership roles across private and public health systems for more than two decades. He brings a strong understanding of healthcare delivery in regional Australia and is committed to improving health outcomes through clinical engagement, collaboration, strategic partnerships and innovation. 

Dr Steevie Chan

CCRI Board Member
District Director Medical Services
Central Coast Local Health District

Dr Steevie Chan is a medical practitioner and educator with more than 30 years of experience across health care and tertiary education. He has held senior roles in major teaching hospitals and the NSW Health Department, including as Senior Policy Adviser for the Minister for Health, and was formerly Dean and Professor of the School of Medicine at the University of Notre Dame Australia. 

Steevie holds postgraduate and specialist qualifications in health administration and public health. He brings a strong focus on healthcare quality, patient safety and health outcomes research.

Professor Lisa Wood

CCRI Board Member
Pro Vice-Chancellor
College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing
University of Newcastle

Professor Lisa Wood is a nutritional biochemist and Registered Nutritionist with more than 20 years of research experience exploring the links between diet, inflammation and chronic disease. She leads a research program at the Hunter Medical Research Institute and has attracted more than $18 million in competitive research funding. 

Her work has informed national and international clinical guidelines in asthma care, and she is a former President of the Nutrition Society of Australia. Professor Wood was appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing at the University of Newcastle in 2025. 

Professor Juanita Todd

CCRI Board Member
Pro Vice-Chancellor Research
University of Newcastle

Professor Juanita Todd was appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor Research at the University of Newcastle in 2023. She has built a career as a researcher, clinical psychologist and academic leader, with research in cognitive neuroscience and psychological assessment. 

Juanita brings a strong commitment to partnership-driven research that connects the university with industry, health and community. She is known for her collaborative approach and her focus on research that engages with the world beyond the university.