Our committed and talented team of Board Members and Executive Directors are fundamental to bringing our strategic plan to life and changing the healthcare story with our community.
Our Board
The members of the Board of Directors oversee the strategic direction of Maryborough District Health Service. Members are appointed for one, two, or three-year terms by the Governor in Council and are responsible for providing agreed services within the available resources.
The Board is the governance body of MDHS, which includes monitoring the financial management, risk management, care standards and compliance with regulations and legislation.
Dr Judy Lowthian – Board Chair
Judy is a non-executive director, health services consultant and advisor. Her distinctive combination of governance, strategic leadership, clinical insight and research expertise is underpinned by a lengthy career as a speech pathologist, health service manager and internationally recognised researcher and research leader.
Known for driving innovation, shaping strategic agendas and influencing health policy, Judy brings a pragmatic, evidence-informed and community-focused perspective to Board decision-making, with expertise in improving health and care systems for ageing populations.
Governance appointments include serving as independent Chair of Ambulance Victoria’s Research Committee, and with the Aged Care Research and Industry Innovation Australia Aged Care Collaborative, Ending Loneliness Together, Australian Association of Gerontology, Cabrini Research and Education Institute, and International Federation of Emergency Medicine.
Judy is passionately committed to ensuring that all Australians have equitable access to safe, high‑quality care, particularly those living in regional and rural communities. She values collaboration, accountability, integrity and kindness.
Kahlia Borserio – Deputy Chair
Kahlia is an AHPRA-registered podiatrist and experienced health professional with more than 12 years’ experience delivering healthcare across rural and regional Victoria. Her career spans clinical practice, clinical governance, research and digital health.
As Clinical Risk Coordinator at Dhelkaya Health, Kahlia brings expertise in clinical risk, patient safety, quality improvement and accreditation, alongside an evidence-informed, systems-thinking approach to governance.
Kahlia holds a Master of Public Health and is undertaking an industry-based Doctor of Public Health at La Trobe University. In partnership with Loddon Mallee Virtual Care Office and health services within Loddon Mallee Local Health Service Network, her research explores how AI-enabled digital health technologies can strengthen rural healthcare delivery, support workforce sustainability and improve models of care.
Born and raised in rural Victoria, Kahlia has dedicated her career to improving health outcomes for rural communities. She is committed to equitable access to safe, high-quality healthcare, regardless of where people live.
Robert Camm – Treasurer
Robert is a commercial and strategy executive with over 35 years’ experience across private, public and not-for-profit sectors. A qualified CPA (Fellow), he is principal of Boroko Consulting, advising public sector and for-purpose boards.
A Member of the AICD, Robert has served as Director, Treasurer and Committee Chair for health, housing, arts and justice organisations, including nearly a decade as independent Chair of two Audit and Finance committees. He is the Chair of Haven Home Safe and a director of healthAbility, Sport & Life Training, and The Knox School.
Robert’s achievements include leading voluntary amalgamation business cases for NCN Health (2019), Grampians Health (2021) and Western District Health Service (2026); securing funding for major health infrastructure, including the $169 million GV Health redevelopment; and developing strategic plans for many regional health services.
Driven by public value over personal gain, Robert is committed to helping regional communities access quality, connected care close to home.
Ron Eason – Board Director
Ron is an experienced local businessman, councillor and well-connected community leader. He brings commercial acumen, local knowledge and engagement from more than 30 years’ experience in small business and manufacturing including managing the Avoca newsagency for 15 years.
Following election as the Avoca Ward councillor in the Pyrenees Shire Council in 2012, Ron was re-elected in 2016, serving as Mayor 2016-17, 2021-22 and 2022-23. He was recognised with the Mayor Emeritus award in 2023 for serving three or more terms as mayor.
Ron is energetic in his support for initiatives that help community, and he plays a key role in connecting his community to services and ensuring community participation is representative and effective.
Ron has a passionate desire to help the people across the region, particularly in the Pyrenees Shire.
Elizabeth Chatham – Board Director
Liz is an AHPRA registered nurse and midwife, with formal Australian Institute of Company Directors governance training.
As a former Executive and Chief Operating Officer of tertiary health services in Victoria and the ACT, Liz has developed, led and monitored quality care frameworks and service improvement, including oversight of incident and patient complaint management, risk identification, health service accreditations, and implementation of service reforms and policy recommendations.
Throughout her career Liz has developed many collaborative relationships, providing deep understanding of different stakeholder perspectives that have shaped her work. Key achievements include development of a Charter of Children’s Rights in Health Care Services; implementing the ACT Maternity Services Advisory Network; development and implementation of the Canberra Health Service COVID response plan; and initiating a whole-of- government review of ACT child development services.
Having been raised just outside of Maryborough, having equitable access to safe high-quality patient-centred healthcare in regional areas is very important to Liz.
Kelly Griffiths – Board Director
Kelly is a Partner at Gadens where she leads the Healthcare and Life Sciences team. She previously served as Chief Legal Counsel and Head of Government Affairs and Policy for a global biopharmaceutical company, providing leadership across legal, compliance, public policy and stakeholder engagement functions.
Kelly brings expertise in governance, risk management and regulatory compliance. She has worked closely with boards and executive teams across public and private sectors, helping navigate regulatory and operational challenges while maintaining strong governance and community trust.
Healthcare and community sector board experience includes being President of the Victorian Health Complaints Commissioner Advisory Committee and member of the Human Research Ethics Committees of the Royal Children’s Hospital and Murdoch Children’s Institute.
Kelly is passionate about the future of regional healthcare, and the vital role local health services play in supporting their communities. She is committed to helping ensure regional Victorians can continue to access safe, high-quality healthcare close to home.
Courtney Noonan – Board Director
Courtney has over 20 years of clinical and leadership experience across diverse healthcare and local government settings. With a Master of Child, Family and Community Health she has a strong commitment to delivering high quality, family-centred care.
Courtney has been a Board Director since 2022. Her strong governance and clinical risk expertise developed through senior roles as Clinical Risk Coordinator and Clinical Advisor, with experience in root cause analysis supported by formal training and practical experience investigating and addressing clinical and organisational risks.
As a clinical leader, Courtney is experienced in delivering high-quality care, case management, and leading multiple service improvements and evidence-based practice initiatives.
Courtney grew up locally before moving away after high school to pursue further study and travel opportunities. She then returned to raise her family in the region. Courtney is deeply connected to her local community, passionate about promoting fairness, inclusion and connection, and contributes proactively to ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Lisa Livingstone – Board Director
Lisa is an experienced health executive and senior nursing and midwifery leader, currently serving as Chief Quality Officer and Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer at Bendigo Health. She brings extensive experience in clinical leadership, quality and safety, workforce, risk management and health service improvement.
As a member of the Clinical Governance Committee, Lisa brings expertise in clinical governance, quality and safety, risk, regulatory compliance and organisational performance, with a strong focus on accountability and continuous improvement.
Lisa has led significant quality, safety and clinical improvement initiatives, strengthened governance and accountability frameworks, and supported the development of high-performing clinical teams and services.
Lisa is passionate about regional healthcare and ensuring communities have access to safe, equitable, person-centred and high-quality care. She values integrity, compassion, collaboration and courageous leadership.
Sara Pantaleo – Board Director
Sara is an experienced non-executive director and former CEO at La Porchetta, a large Australian Italian franchise network. Her career began in NAB’s IT division, working on disaster recovery and major technology rollouts. She founded Affari SP, a leadership mentoring practice for small, family and franchise businesses in 2020.
Sara brings expertise in risk, assurance and governance frameworks, with experience as an Audit and Risk Committee Chair, Company Secretary and Treasurer.
Career highlights include growing La Porchetta’s network by 300% to more than $60M in system revenue; being named 2010 FCA Australian Franchise Woman of the Year and a 2012 Telstra Business Women finalist; and co-founding the Moira Kelly Creating Hope Foundation in 2015, continuing as Executive Chair.
Sara migrated from Italy and built her career from the ground up, shaping her commitment to inclusion, opportunity and community service. She believes that strong governance is ultimately about better outcomes for the people and communities an organisation serves.
Red Dearnley GAICD (they/them) – Board Director
Red is a social change strategist and governance adviser to the not-for-profit and for-purpose sector. They are an experienced executive and non-executive leader in the community services sector.
Red is Founder and Principal Consultant of Influence Global, where they provide governance, strategy and leadership advisory services and support, with a focus on systems reform and diversity, equity, and intersectional inclusion.
Red is Deputy Chair of WIRE, a Victorian heritage feminist organisation working to achieve gender and economic equity. They are also Company Secretary to not-for-profits, including Farmers for Climate Action and the Energy Innovation Co-operative.
Previously, Red worked with INGOs, government and community organisations across Europe, India and southern Africa – predominantly in women’s health, international aid, modern slavery, gender equity and LGBTIQA+ inclusion, and human rights.
Living on Djaara Country , Red is passionate about enabling equitable access to health and wellbeing services for communities that commonly face barriers getting the supports they need.
Our Executive
Our Executive team is committed to working collaboratively to help people better manage their health according to legislation and government requirements. Delivering person-centred goals and developing a working environment that promotes a sense of well-being, and creating opportunities for education and understanding are the foundation on which the team operates.
Leanne Shea – Interim Chief Executive Officer 
Leanne is a respected senior healthcare leader with more than 30 years’ experience across the Victorian public health system. As Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer at Grampians Health, she provides leadership and governance across nursing and midwifery services and is a strong advocate for the regional health workforce.
With extensive experience in executive nursing, midwifery and health system management, Leanne brings a deep understanding of regional healthcare and a values-driven leadership approach focused on collaboration, workforce development and high-quality patient care.
Bernie Lyons – Executive Director of Care
Bernie Lyons is a senior healthcare leader with more than 35 years of experience across the public and private healthcare sectors. Throughout her career, she has held a broad range of clinical, operational and leadership roles, providing her with extensive experience across the many facets of healthcare delivery and hospital operations.
As Executive Director Care and Chief Nurse and Midwife, Bernie is committed to leading high-quality, person-centred care while fostering a culture of excellence, accountability and continuous improvement. She is a passionate advocate for the nursing and midwifery professions, championing professional development, workforce capability and the vital contribution that nurses and midwives make to the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.
Bernie is recognised for her authentic and approachable leadership style, with a strong focus on building relationships, empowering teams and creating positive workplace cultures. She is committed to fostering an environment that reflects the MDHS values of Genuine, Respect, Excellence and Togetherness while supporting staff to deliver safe, high-quality care and achieve the best possible outcomes for the communities they serve.
Jason Stevens – Executive Director Finance and Corporate Services
Jason Stevens is the Acting Executive Director Finance & Corporate Services at Maryborough District Health Service, bringing extensive senior leadership experience across the public health, community services and government sectors.
Jason has significant experience leading finance, infrastructure, procurement, ICT and broader corporate services functions within regional health and community organisations. He is recognised for strengthening governance, improving organisational performance and leading operational and financial transformation initiatives that support sustainable service delivery and long-term growth.
Prior to joining MDHS, Jason held senior leadership roles with Intereach Ltd and Dhelkaya Health, where he led multidisciplinary corporate services portfolios across finance, technology, procurement, infrastructure and support services. Throughout his career, he has delivered major operational improvement initiatives, strengthened financial and reporting frameworks, supported capital and infrastructure planning, and secured significant government funding for regional health services.
Jason is known for his practical and collaborative leadership style, with a strong focus on building accountable teams, improving systems and fostering positive stakeholder relationships. He values clear communication, strong community connections and creating organisational environments that support both staff and service outcomes.
Renee Waters – Executive Director of People and Capability
Renee is an experienced people and culture executive with more than 20 years’ experience across the health, veterinary, pharmaceutical, government, agriculture and manufacturing sectors. She brings a strategic and pragmatic approach to building high-performing organisations, with expertise spanning workforce strategy, organisational culture, talent and leadership development, employee engagement and transformation.
Renee is passionate about strengthening workforce capability and creating positive, inclusive cultures that support exceptional outcomes for staff, patients and communities.
Renee holds a Bachelor of Science and Graduate Diploma in Applied Psychology and has extensive experience partnering with executive and senior leadership teams to deliver sustainable people strategies and organisational change.