New CEO at National Heart Foundation of Australia

The National Heart Foundation of Australia has appointed former Victorian SES Chief Mary Barry as the charity’s new National CEO.

Ms Barry takes over from Dr Lyn Roberts AM who retired from the Heart Foundation at the end of 2013 after 12 years at the helm.

Born in Ireland and immigrating to Australia in 1986, Ms Barry forged a successful career in the Aged Care sector including six years as the founding CEO of the Victorian Association of Health and Extended Care (VAHEC).

More recently, Ms Barry transformed the Victorian SES into an independent, high profile statutory authority playing a crucial role in the community.

The Heart Foundation’s National President, Associate Professor Peter Sexton said the organisation will benefit greatly from Ms Barry’s experience.

“Mary is an outstanding appointment and brings with her significant senior management experience. She’s had frontline exposure in the public health sector and certainly knows what it takes to work for an organisation founded on the generosity of volunteers.”

“Mary’s success in lobbying for change will be invaluable to the Heart Foundation as we continue to strive towards our ultimate goal - reducing premature death and suffering from heart, stroke and blood vessel disease," Prof Sexton said.

Ms Barry said she is ready to embrace the new challenge.

"I’m looking forward to taking on the role of CEO with such a highly respected charity, regarded for its work in improving heart health and fighting against Australia’s leading cause of death - cardiovascular disease.”

“It’s a unique opportunity for me and I look forward to working with the Board and staff of the Heart Foundation, our donors and all our stakeholders and partners, as we strive to meet our ultimate goal."