Our team is dedicated to representing the interests of Australian healthcare consumers, and making your voices and needs heard at the national policy level.
Dr Elizabeth Deveny
Chief Executive Officer
Elizabeth is an experienced, well-respected senior executive with a strong commitment to improving health outcomes for all Australians. Working primarily in the health and education sectors she’s had responsibility for significant P&L ($250M) and capital projects ($70M). Her roles have required her to lead regional, state, national and international collaborations where she has successfully engaged a broad church of stakeholders in order to meet strategic objectives.
She was Chief Executive Officer of the South East Melbourne Primary Health Network from 2015 – 2021. Working with thousands of health professionals, the national network of PHNs, peak bodies and state and federal jurisdictions, Elizabeth led the largest PHN in Australia. With a team of one hundred staff Elizabeth was responsible for the oversight of the commissioning of 30+ primary health care programs, primary care capacity building, and outcome and impact evaluation. Elizabeth took up the role of interim Chief Executive Officer from Monday 22 August 2022 and was permanently appointed on 24 October 2022.
Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn.
Jo Root
Director, Policy and Research
Jo manages the policy team to help CHF develop policy positions and advocate for reform to a consumer-centred health system. Jo has been involved in health policy since 1990, working for the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments and then moving to the non-government sector; community-controlled aboriginal health, and Council on the Ageing. She has undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in economics and has been with CHF since November 2014.
Connect with Jo on LinkedIn.
Arul Ruban
Director, Finance and Corporate
Arul is a Chartered Accountant and manages the finances of CHF. Arul has extensive experience managing finances of Non-profit entities that included budget management, monthly reporting, annual audits and board reporting. In the past, Arul worked for well-known charities such as Vision Australia and the Salvation Army and has implemented two significant process improvement projects such as document scanning and automation of financial operation. Arul is passionate about efficiencies, not only in financial matters, but also in the wider operation.
Connect with Arul on LinkedIn.
Tony James
Director, People and Culture
Tony is a seasoned HR Executive with a proven track record in strategic & operational HR. A values based leader, Tony’s professional background spans a diverse range of HR roles across Tertiary Hospital, Higher Education and NGO’s sectors. Tony particularly enjoys working with people to foster a great workplace culture and building high performing teams.
Connect with Tony on LinkedIn.