The Blood Service’s chief executive baton was passed from one successful female leader to another when previous chief executive Jennifer Williams handed over to Shelly Park in March.
Formerly the chief executive at Monash Health for 10 years, Shelly brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Blood Service’s top leadership role. Shelly’s background in the health sector will see her seamlessly slipping into her new role.
Shelly has a positive and impressive energy. As an accomplished executive, she is an expert leader who believes in listening to those around her to quickly build her understanding. Truly interested in hearing what people have to say, Shelly wants to let customers and stakeholders know that she is keen to meet and speak with them.
“I am really looking forward to visiting our locations around Australia and hearing what people have to say. I want to know what they are most proud of and, if they were me, what they would do to improve the Blood Service.”
About joining the Blood Service, Shelly says: “I am so excited to be at the Blood Service. This organisation provides a vital health service to the Australian community — one that is only possible through the generosity and support of more than half a million donors”.
“What we do here is so important. No-one else in Australia is like us. We should be proud of the products and services we provide, thanks to our voluntary donors. It is an honour to work with people who are so passionate about helping others and saving lives.”
Interestingly, the Blood Service has also recently welcomed a new Board Chair, Jim Birch. Having two new leaders starting at the same time is unusual, and this new partnership presents an opportunity to look with fresh eyes at how we can continue to improve and achieve our goal of being one of the best blood services in the world.
New Zealand born, there is no question of our new Chief Executive’s allegiance to and passion for the All Blacks. That said, you can’t live in Australia for more than five minutes without choosing a footy team to follow. So, League or AFL? As it turns out, Shelly has chosen AFL’s Hawthorn. And, just in case anyone’s wondering if Shelly might jump back over the ditch, she emphatically states that she’s here to stay.
“I am an Australian resident and am happy to say that I’m applying for citizenship. Besides, I can’t leave — I married an Australian!”
Shelly met her husband David in 2009 and with two gorgeous children each. Shelly describes their blended family as, “I brought the boys and David brought the girls. Together, we now have two 27-year-olds and two 24-year-olds”. Living in Melbourne during the week, the family spends their weekends in the beachside suburb Mount Martha, along with Dexter the cavoodle and Iggy the cat.
Photo: Shelly Park, new Chief Executive of the Blood Service.