THE SAX INSTITUTE - Key Persons


Anthony Ashton

Job Titles:
  • Information and Security Architect
Anthony leads on information security at the Institute and fulfils a consultancy role supporting digital transformation … Anthony leads on information security at the Institute and fulfils a consultancy role supporting digital transformation across the organisation. He has responsibility for providing effective business systems and client liaison for SURE. Prior to joining the Institute, Anthony performed a senior IT role with Cancer Council NSW, where he gained key experience in protecting research data and knowledge in a not-for-profit sector setting. With over 20 years' prior experience working in technical and senior leadership roles in information technology departments, Anthony has significant experience in both global and national organisations delivering mission-critical digital services.

Bethany Brett

Job Titles:
  • Director, People & Culture
Bethany is responsible for providing comprehensive human resources (HR) advice and support to the Institute. Her focus i… Bethany is responsible for providing comprehensive human resources (HR) advice and support to the Institute. Her focus includes employee engagement, HR strategic development, recruitment and talent management, and staff development. A committed and passionate HR professional, Bethany worked at a global law firm as the National HR Manager for over a decade before joining the Institute. In that role, she led the HR team to provide support to staff within Australia and New Zealand. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (HRM & Management) from the University of Wollongong and has gained experience across a number of industries, including legal and not-for-profit organisations, since graduating.

Christine Whittall

Job Titles:
  • Director, Decision Analytics & Innovation
Christine is responsible for innovation and strategic development within the Institute's simulation modelling program. I… Christine is responsible for innovation and strategic development within the Institute's simulation modelling program. In this role, Christine works closely with the Decision Analytics team to drive innovation and to identify and develop new opportunities to apply simulation modelling across the health sector. Prior to joining the Sax Institute, Christine worked for the NSW Ministry of Health's Office for Health and Medical Research. She has over 10 years' experience in health and research policy development for not-for-profit and public organisations. She holds a Master of Public Health and a Master of Science by research.

David Preen

Job Titles:
  • Professor
Professor Preen is the Chair in Public Health at the School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Austr… Professor Preen is the Chair in Public Health at the School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia (UWA) and was Director of the UWA Centre for Health Services Research from 2006-2015. He also holds honorary positions at the University of South Australia and Swansea University (UK). His current role is aimed at bridging the divide between academia and government to increase the translation of research findings to facilitate evidence-based decision making in policy settings.

Dr Alice Knight

Job Titles:
  • Director, Evaluate
Alice leads the Evaluate team to support government and non-government organisations to plan for, demonstrate, understan… Alice leads the Evaluate team to support government and non-government organisations to plan for, demonstrate, understand and communicate their impact. Alice has over ten years' experience working in the government, academic and not-for-profit sectors, with academic and policy expertise in the health and human services sectors. Prior to joining the Sax Institute, Alice worked as Manager of Evaluation at the Department of Communities and Justice, formerly FACS, where she managed and lead project teams to design, commission and monitor a wide range of complex evaluations. Alice has a passion for evidence informed program and policy design, and for developing innovative tools and methods to support decision makers design, implement and evaluate their programs and policies.

Dr Karin Lines

Job Titles:
  • SENIOR ADVISER, MENTAL HEALTH
Dr Lines has extensive expertise and leadership in the mental health sector, having worked in many key roles including f… Dr Lines has extensive expertise and leadership in the mental health sector, having worked in many key roles including four years from 2015 to 2019 as Executive Director of the NSW Health Mental Health Branch. Over the course of her career, her roles have spanned clinical work, academic teaching, policy development and analysis, service development and planning and leadership. Karin was awarded the Public Service Medal for services to mental health in 2018. She has a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Sydney, a Master's degree in Nursing (Mental Health) from the University of Western Sydney and an Honours degree from Macquarie University.

Dr Kerrin Bleicher

Job Titles:
  • Director, Research Assets & Innovation
Kerrin leads the Institute's 45 and Up Study and its teams. She is responsible for the ongoing development of this natio… Kerrin leads the Institute's 45 and Up Study and its teams. She is responsible for the ongoing development of this national research resource, building engagement with participants, partners, policy makers and researchers, and fostering collaborations to support translation of knowledge from research into policy and practice. Her previous role was as head of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's Primary Health Network and Primary Health Care Reporting Unit, where she worked to fill data gaps and support organisations to meet community health needs. Kerrin worked as a clinician for over 20 years and has a PhD from the University of Sydney.

Dr Kerry Chant

Job Titles:
  • Chief Health Officer and Deputy Secretary of the Population
Dr Kerry Chant is NSW Chief Health Officer and Deputy Secretary of the Population and Public Health Division, NSW Minist… Dr Kerry Chant is NSW Chief Health Officer and Deputy Secretary of the Population and Public Health Division, NSW Ministry of Health. The Division has accountabilities for a broad portfolio of issues, including tobacco control, reduction of risky drinking and obesity, the promotion of physical activity, end-of-life care and organ donation. Dr Chant has a particular interest in the response to HIV, hepatitis C and hepatitis B and Aboriginal health.

Dr Lisa Studdert

Job Titles:
  • Head of Office at the Australian Government 's Productivity Commission
Dr Studdert is Head of Office at the Australian Government's Productivity Commission. Lisa was most recently Deputy CEO … Dr Studdert is Head of Office at the Australian Government's Productivity Commission. Lisa was most recently Deputy CEO of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), and was previously a Deputy Secretary at the Federal Department of Health where she worked across a range of areas including population health, aged care, Indigenous health, and cancer screening. She has extensive experience working in health programs internationally, including for the Asian Development Bank, United Nations agencies and for the Australian aid program including extended periods in Vietnam, Indonesia and Cambodia.

Dr Martin McNamara - CEO

Job Titles:
  • CEO
  • Member of the Executive Team
  • EX OFFICIO
Martin became the Institute's CEO in January 2023, after serving as Deputy CEO since 2018. An experienced health system … Martin became the Institute's CEO in January 2023, after serving as Deputy CEO since 2018. An experienced health system executive, he has previously held a number of senior leadership roles at Commonwealth and state levels, spanning strategy and research to policy development and health system performance. Since joining the Institute in 2016, Martin has guided the development of a number of the Institute's key programs, and he remains Chief Investigator of the 45 and Up Study. Prior to joining the Institute, he was Executive Director at the National Health Performance Authority. Martin has a PhD from the University of Sydney.

Dr Rebecca Tinning

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Team
  • Head, Programs
Rebecca leads the Institutes Programs Division and is responsible for the operational management and development of the … Rebecca leads the Institutes Programs Division and is responsible for the operational management and development of the Institutes programs and capabilities. She has over 20 years' experience in health services research and policy, population health management, and health service innovation and delivery. Prior to joining the Institute, Rebecca worked at Medibank where she innovated evidence-informed models of care for private and public health care payors including primary care based chronic disease and integrated care services, hospital readmission avoidance programs and telephone support services. Rebecca has a Professional Doctorate in Applied Public Health (DrPH) from UNSW.

Dr Scott Winch

Job Titles:
  • Director, Aboriginal Health
Scott is a Wiradjuri man who lives on Dharawal Country. He is the Director, Aboriginal Health at the Sax Institute and h… Scott is a Wiradjuri man who lives on Dharawal Country. He is the Director, Aboriginal Health at the Sax Institute and has over 20 years' experience in Indigenous affairs at local, state, national and international levels. His experience spans from urban to remote communities mainly in the health, education and early childhood sectors including leadership roles in service and program delivery, community development, research and evaluation and policy. He has a PhD in Aboriginal education, a Masters of Applied Epidemiology and a Graduate Diploma in Health Services Management.

Dr Sumithra Muthayya

Job Titles:
  • Study Director, SEARCH
Sumi is the Director of the Study of Environment on Aboriginal Resilience and Child Health (SEARCH) at the Institute and… Sumi is the Director of the Study of Environment on Aboriginal Resilience and Child Health (SEARCH) at the Institute and an Adjunct Associate Professor at the School of Public Health, University of Sydney. She is responsible for managing SEARCH and its community partnerships and a program of research on childhood obesity and food insecurity in urban Aboriginal communities. An experienced nutritional epidemiologist, Sumi was previously the global coordinator of a public-private alliance promoting efforts to tackle vitamin and mineral deficiency in lower- and middle-income countries. She has worked for over 20 years on the identification and implementation of strategies to improve nutrition and health for women and children. Sumi has a PhD in Nutrition from the University of Bangalore, India.

Genevieve Ileris

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Team
  • Head of Partnerships and Communication
Genevieve is Head of Partnerships and Communication for the Sax Institute. She has extensive international experience in… Genevieve is Head of Partnerships and Communication for the Sax Institute. She has extensive international experience in health communications, engagement, policy, and public affairs working across Asia, the UK and Australia. Prior to joining the Sax Institute Genevieve led the communications and engagement function on major health system transformation programs for the NHS in London. In 2021 Genevieve also acted as Interim Head of Policy and Public Affairs for the British Psychological Society leading the organisations' response to key social issues including poverty, climate action and children and young people's mental health as well as advocating for improved access to mental health support for NHS staff during COVID 19. Genevieve has post graduate qualifications in Business (Queensland University of Technology) and Health Communications (University of Buckinghamshire).

Hugo Wilcken

Job Titles:
  • Media and Editorial Manager
Hugo manages the Sax Institute's media activities and relationships, ensuring that the Institute maintains and raises it… Hugo manages the Sax Institute's media activities and relationships, ensuring that the Institute maintains and raises its national and international profile. More broadly, he is involved in writing and editing content and managing editorial projects aimed at the Institute's various audiences. Before joining the Institute in 2018, Hugo had a career in medical and health journalism in both France and Australia. His most recent roles were as online editor with the Australasian Medical Publishing Company, which publishes the Medical Journal of Australia, and features writer with Australian Doctor. He is the author of three novels.

Justin Eccleston

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Team
  • Head, Business Services Transformation
Justin has over 20 years' experience working in the research and not-for-profit sectors in the UK and Australia, includi… Justin has over 20 years' experience working in the research and not-for-profit sectors in the UK and Australia, including senior roles at the King's Fund in London and at national health charities in both countries. He has expertise in business transformation, strategic planning and organisational development. Justin joined the Institute in July 2021 and leads the corporate functions spanning human resources, IT, commercial and facilities. He has a BSc (Hons) in Business Administration from the University of Bath.

Kim Anderson

Ms Anderson has more than 30 years' experience as a CEO and senior executive in a range of marketing and media companies… Ms Anderson has more than 30 years' experience as a CEO and senior executive in a range of marketing and media companies, including Southern Star Entertainment, PBL, Ninemsn and Reading Room Inc (bookstr.com), of which she was CEO and founder. As well as her knowledge of the marketing, media and entertainment sectors, Ms Anderson is a former Fellow of the University of Sydney Senate, and serves on the Boards of ASX-listed companies including Carsales.com, Invocare, Siteminder, and in previous years Marley Spoon AG and WPP AUNZ.

Matthew Gorringe

Job Titles:
  • Senior Director, Data and Research Services
Matt is responsible for the Secure Unified Research Environment (SURE) that provides a secure workspace to over 450 rese… Matt is responsible for the Secure Unified Research Environment (SURE) that provides a secure workspace to over 450 researchers accessing data from more than 25 data custodians. In this role, Matt regularly explores and implements new opportunities for delivering significant improvements in capacity and processing power that will improve the experience for researchers and data custodians. Matt has extensive experience in survey research, including in data management and analysis, and management of large-scale research operations. Matt has senior executive experience in a human services delivery agency, and has a Graduate Certificate in Survey and Market Research Methods, and a Master of International Relations.

Melinda Ewell

Job Titles:
  • Finance
  • Head
  • Member of the Executive Team
Melinda leads the Institute's Finance team and provides financial and regulatory guidance to the Institute's CEO and Boa… Melinda leads the Institute's Finance team and provides financial and regulatory guidance to the Institute's CEO and Board to support delivery of the Institute's Strategic Plan, as well as ensuring sustainability of the Institute's operations. After early career roles across the IT and merchant banking sectors, Melinda has worked as a finance executive in the not-for-profit sector for more than a decade, focusing on program innovation, technology integration and effective governance. Melinda is a Certified Practising Accountant and has a Master of Commerce from Western Sydney University.

Millie Au

Job Titles:
  • Director, Commercial
Millie is responsible for commercial and contractual matters within the Institute. Her mandate includes compliance, risk… Millie is responsible for commercial and contractual matters within the Institute. Her mandate includes compliance, risk management, and corporate and research governance. She has over 25 years' experience in senior management positions in a complex, large-scale industry as well as other mutual organisations. Some of her previous roles include seven years as the CEO of a mutual life insurance company as well as a founding director of a successful start-up. Millie has sound understanding of legislative and regulatory requirement and strong compliance skills. She has qualifications from the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (UK) and is an associate member of the Governance Institute of Australia.

Nadia Mastersson

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Team
  • Head, Prevention
Leading the Prevention portfolio for the Institute, Nadia is responsible for heading The Australian Prevention Partnersh… Leading the Prevention portfolio for the Institute, Nadia is responsible for heading The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre. The Prevention Centre represents crucial national infrastructure providing systems leadership in chronic disease prevention for Australia, incubating and mobilising knowledge into policy and practice. Nadia has worked across the prevention landscape for more than 25 years through policy and legislation, program delivery, research, health service strategy and system change. Her work has focused on the power of collaborative partnerships to improve the health of the community. Nadia holds Master of Business Administration and Master of Nutrition and Dietetics and is a graduate and member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Prof Christine Paul

Job Titles:
  • Head of Research for the School of Medicine
Prof Christine Paul is Head of Research for the School of Medicine and Public Health at the University of Newcastle. Ch… Prof Christine Paul is Head of Research for the School of Medicine and Public Health at the University of Newcastle. Chris has a track record for delivering on rigorous behaviour change interventions on an individual, system and population level. Prof Paul has produced high quality, practice-relevant behavioural research across a range of health issues and behaviours.

Robin Low

Job Titles:
  • Distinguished Chartered Accountant and Finance Expert
Ms Low is a distinguished chartered accountant and finance expert, who was with PwC Australia for more than 28 years. Sh… Ms Low is a distinguished chartered accountant and finance expert, who was with PwC Australia for more than 28 years. She sits on the boards of four ASX listed companies: Appen Limited, AUB Group Limited, IPH Limited and Marley Spoon AG and is a member of Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation. She is a former deputy chair of the Audit and Assurance Standards Board, and sits on the boards of various not-for-profit organisations including Guide Dogs ACT/NSW, Public Education Foundation and Primary Ethics.

Sandra Bailey

Job Titles:
  • Expert in Aboriginal
  • SENIOR ADVISER, ABORIGINAL HEALTH
Ms Bailey is an expert in Aboriginal primary health care with a broad interest in public health, especially mental healt… Ms Bailey is an expert in Aboriginal primary health care with a broad interest in public health, especially mental health, child and maternal health as well as in policy, strategic planning and governance. A Yorta Yorta woman from the NSW-Victorian border region, she was CEO of the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council for 25 years, and was instrumental in the creation of the Coalition for Research to Improve Aboriginal Health (CRIAH) as a partnership between the Sax Institute and AH&MRC. She has a law degree from the University of Melbourne and was awarded the Australian Government's Centenary Medal in 2003 for her contribution to health.

Sian Rudge

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Team
  • HEAD, STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT
Sian works in the nexus between research and decision making, and in connecting decision makers with research and resear… Sian works in the nexus between research and decision making, and in connecting decision makers with research and researchers. She leads the Sax Institute's Evidence for Action Division, including the Aboriginal Health, Evaluate, and Evidence Connect programs, which support the use of decision making in health and social services. Before joining the Institute in 2011, Sian worked with the Centre for Aboriginal Health in the NSW Ministry of Health. She was previously a paediatric physiotherapist (B App Sc (Physio)) and holds a Master of International Public Health.