The WCH Foundation is an incorporated body under the Associations Incorporations Act 1985 and is governed by a Board of Directors. All our Directors serve in an honorary capacity and receive no financial benefits.
Chief Executive Officer
Jane commenced as CEO in March 2017. She has a passion to make a difference by providing quality programs within the health and human service arena in Australia and internationally. Jane has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Nursing Studies) and a Bachelor of Applied Science (Management),and her entire career has been focused in health and the human service area, for many years nursing in both the public and private sectors, acute and community-based services. Prior to joining the WCH Foundation, Jane was the Executive Officer of Ronald McDonald House Charities programs in South Australia for 17 years.
Chair
Michael was appointed as Chair of the WCH Foundation in May 2020. He has over 30 years of international, national and domestic senior executive leadership experience in Australia and New Zealand in the technology sector and across a diverse range of industries and organisational structures in growing businesses. At CEO/MD and Board Directorship levels, Michael’s key focus is driving business, operational performance and exceptional customer service at start-ups, SMEs, corporates, governments and multinationals.
He is also currently the State Director SA & NT of Optus Australia and a non-Executive Director of the ACH Group, with previous executive leadership, Board Director and Chair roles across Australia.
“Growing up, my mother worked as a midwife and from early on I learnt the commitment required to ensure women, children and their families are looked after in the best possible way. I look forward to contributing to this important work," Michael said.
Deputy Chair
Wee joined the Board in October 2008 and is a Partner of Bray Chan Chartered Accountants. His areas of expertise include the manufacturing, medical and creative services industries. Wee was formerly the National President of the Australia Malaysia Business Council, and in 2007 was awarded an honorary Companion in the Order of the Defender of the Realm by his birth nation Malaysia.
“Like so many, my passion for supporting the work of the Foundation started from a personal experience; the heart-stopping moment at the birth of my first child when mother and baby may have needed extra care. My involvement with the Foundation has been a privilege, and I am grateful for the opportunity to give back and help make a difference to this community in South Australia, in a country that has welcomed me as a citizen," Wee said.
Board Member
Morry joined the Board in April 2014. In his time as Tindall Gask Bentley’s managing partner, Morry has overseen the firm’s evolution to South Australia’s largest all-purpose law firm and a national leader with 12 offices across Australia. He is both former President of the Law Council of Australia and Law Society of South Australia, Chair of Lawguard Management and Chair of the Law Council’s Futures committee. Furthermore, he is a member of the Law Society of SA Ethics and Practice Committee, Chair of its Corporate Governance Committee, and is a sought-after legal commentator.
Morry was made a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours, recognising his service to the law, professional legal societies and to the community.
Board Member
James (Jim) Birch, AM, joined the Board in May 2023. With 35+ years in senior executive roles in healthcare and justice, he is passionate about improving children's health and early childhood outcomes. Jim has a strong interest in research and innovation. Apart from the Board, he chairs Little Company of Mary Health Care (Calvary) and Lifeblood, and serves as a director at Beamtree Holdings (BMT) and Catholic Health Australia.
Previously a Partner at Ernst and Young, he led major consultancies across Australia, Asia, and the Middle East. Jim has held CEO positions in health services, served as Chair of the Australian Health Minister's Advisory Council, and played a pivotal role in establishing the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care.
Board Member
Leonie joined the Board in May 2020 and is an experienced Board Director with extensive corporate governance experience and a strong commercial business background. As a former Certified Practising Accountant with significant practical experience, she has a strong understanding of corporate and statutory financial management. In the role as principal consultant of Leonie Boothby & Associates Pty Ltd, Leonie undertakes project-based consultancy contracts across a range of sectors and service areas.
"The funds raised by the WCH Foundation create opportunities to go beyond just meeting the critical and essential needs of our patients, families and Hospital staff – it allows us to create spaces and experiences that provide comfort, care, nurturing and positivity that are so important to wellness and recovery. I’m inspired by the work that is being done to raise funds and deliver programs that make a difference in people’s lives and am honored to be part of the Foundation's team," Leonie said.
Board Member
As the Chief Operating Officer for Saab Australia, Ben drives organisational performance and oversees program delivery across all areas of the business. Ben has extensive local and international experience in strategic leadership roles in defence, manufacturing, construction and agriculture. Ben holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accountancy, is Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Fellow of CPA Australia. He has been a member of the Foundation's Finance & Audit Committee since 2013 and a Board Member since May 2020.
“Many South Australians have a strong connection with the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, often forged during very trying circumstances. The Foundation's vision and mission immediately resonated with me and joining the Foundation has given me the opportunity to make a real and lasting contribution to our community. I feel humbled every day to support the important work of the Hospital to improve the health and wellbeing of women, children and their families.”
Board Member
Christine joined the Board in May 2020. She is an experienced senior executive leader in international trade and development, and the professional services industries. She is skilled in board and stakeholder engagement and management, strategy and business development, and executive development and coaching.
"I’m excited by the strategic opportunities ahead for the WCH Foundation and the chance to apply my business and board expertise to guide the organisation’s path and to contribute to the positive impact on lives that the Foundation has," Christine said.
