VHA appoints Leigh Clarke as new CEO

The Victorian Healthcare Association (VHA) Board has appointed Leigh Clarke as the new CEO.

Clarke is an allied health practitioner with a Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics (Hons) and Master of Public Health. She has worked in clinical, research and management roles in public, private and not-for-profit health services.

Clarke will join the VHA after holding the role of CEO of the Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA), leading this national peak association through complex change and significant growth over a 10-year period. She is an experienced association executive, particularly in the areas of governance, strategy, workforce development and regulation, and has a successful advocacy portfolio across state and federal jurisdictions.

In 2021, Clarke’s association management experience was recognised through short-listing in the AuSAE Association Influencer of the Year Award and achieved runner-up in the Association Forum Association Turn-around of the Year Awards.

Clarke has also held board director roles with Allied Health Professions Australia and the National Alliance of Self Regulating Health Professions.

Clarke will commence the role on Monday, 5 December 2022.

VHA Board Chair Dr Sue Matthews said, “I know Leigh is excited to join the VHA and looks forward to applying her skills and experience to support our members and enhance the Victorian healthcare system.”

Nick Williamson has been the VHA’s Interim CEO since August 2022. “Nick has helped to maintain a stable and effective organisation during this transition period, and on behalf of the VHA board, staff and members, I thank him for his service to the VHA and the public health sector,” Matthews said.

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