Cancer Australia welcomes the announcement by Minister for Health Greg Hunt today of the appointment of Professor Dorothy Keefe as the new Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Australia from July 2019.
The appointment follows Dr Helen Zorbas’ decision that after 9 years in the role, she will not be seeking re-appointment as CEO from June 2019.
Professor Keefe is Professor of Cancer Medicine at the University of Adelaide and a Senior Medical Oncologist at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. She is also the Interim Medical Director of the SA Cancer Service.
Professor Keefe’s experience is not only as a medical oncologist but also in the toxicity of cancer treatment, cancer patient advocacy and in healthcare reform.
Professor Keefe has been a member of the Cancer Australia Advisory Council since 2015. She is also a member of the National Cancer Expert Reference Group (NCERG) of the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council, Board member of Breast Cancer Network Australia and Board member and past president of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC).
In 2013 Professor Keefe was awarded the Public Service Medal for her outstanding service in the areas of public health, medical research and oncology.
Dr Zorbas said, “Professor Keefe’s breadth of experience and long-standing association with Cancer Australia will ensure a successful transition and a strong foundation for Cancer Australia’s continued national leadership role in cancer control into the future.”
In making the announcement, the Minister for Health recognised the invaluable contribution of Dr Zorbas to leadership in cancer control since 2010. As CEO of Cancer Australia, Dr Zorbas has led a significant number of national cancer control initiatives to improve evidence-based information, data, research, policy and best practice across the continuum of cancer care.
In recognition of her commitment to patient care and wellbeing as a physician and to national cancer control as CEO of National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre and Cancer Australia, Dr Zorbas was awarded an AO in 2013 for distinguished service to public health through leadership in the delivery of improved information and services to cancer patients and their families, and contributions to research and clinical trials.
Professor Keefe’s appointment as CEO of Cancer Australia is for three years, commencing from July 2019.