One of the Institute’s key strengths is the expertise of its staff. Our senior management team’s breadth of experience and depth of knowledge continue to drive us in new directions. They are supported by committed and talented staff members across each of our divisions.
Executive team
Dr Martin McNamara
CEO
Martin became the Institute’s CEO in January 2023, after serving as Deputy CEO since 2018. An experienced health system …
Martin became the Institute’s CEO in January 2023, after serving as Deputy CEO since 2018. An experienced health system executive, he has previously held a number of senior leadership roles at Commonwealth and state levels, spanning strategy and research to policy development and health system performance. Since joining the Institute in 2016, Martin has guided the development of a number of the Institute’s key programs, and he remains Chief Investigator of the 45 and Up Study. Prior to joining the Institute, he was Executive Director at the National Health Performance Authority. Martin has a PhD from the University of Sydney.
Justin has over 20 years’ experience working in the research and not-for-profit sectors in the UK and Australia, includi…
Justin has over 20 years’ experience working in the research and not-for-profit sectors in the UK and Australia, including senior roles at the King’s Fund in London and at national health charities in both countries. He has expertise in business transformation, strategic planning and organisational development. Justin joined the Institute in July 2021 and leads the corporate functions spanning human resources, IT, commercial and facilities. He has a BSc (Hons) in Business Administration from the University of Bath.
Melinda leads the Institute’s Finance team and provides financial and regulatory guidance to the Institute’s CEO and Boa…
Melinda leads the Institute’s Finance team and provides financial and regulatory guidance to the Institute’s CEO and Board to support delivery of the Institute’s Strategic Plan, as well as ensuring sustainability of the Institute’s operations. After early career roles across the IT and merchant banking sectors, Melinda has worked as a finance executive in the not-for-profit sector for more than a decade, focusing on program innovation, technology integration and effective governance. Melinda is a Certified Practising Accountant and has a Master of Commerce from Western Sydney University.
Genevieve is Head of Partnerships and Communication for the Sax Institute. She has extensive international experience in…
Genevieve is Head of Partnerships and Communication for the Sax Institute. She has extensive international experience in health communications, engagement, policy, and public affairs working across Asia, the UK and Australia. Prior to joining the Sax Institute Genevieve led the communications and engagement function on major health system transformation programs for the NHS in London. In 2021 Genevieve also acted as Interim Head of Policy and Public Affairs for the British Psychological Society leading the organisations’ response to key social issues including poverty, climate action and children and young people’s mental health as well as advocating for improved access to mental health support for NHS staff during COVID 19. Genevieve has post graduate qualifications in Business (Queensland University of Technology) and Health Communications (University of Buckinghamshire).
Leading the Prevention portfolio for the Institute, Nadia is responsible for heading The Australian Prevention Partnersh…
Leading the Prevention portfolio for the Institute, Nadia is responsible for heading The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre. The Prevention Centre represents crucial national infrastructure providing systems leadership in chronic disease prevention for Australia, incubating and mobilising knowledge into policy and practice.
Nadia has worked across the prevention landscape for more than 25 years through policy and legislation, program delivery, research, health service strategy and system change. Her work has focused on the power of collaborative partnerships to improve the health of the community.
Nadia holds Master of Business Administration and Master of Nutrition and Dietetics and is a graduate and member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Sian works in the nexus between research and decision making, and in connecting decision makers with research and resear…
Sian works in the nexus between research and decision making, and in connecting decision makers with research and researchers. Before joining the Institute in 2011, Sian worked with the Centre for Aboriginal Health in the NSW Ministry of Health. She was previously a paediatric physiotherapist (B App Sc (Physio)) and holds a Master of International Public Health.
Rebecca leads the Institutes Programs Division and is responsible for the operational management and development of the …
Rebecca leads the Institutes Programs Division and is responsible for the operational management and development of the Institutes programs and capabilities. She has over 20 years’ experience in health services research and policy, population health management, and health service innovation and delivery. Prior to joining the Institute, Rebecca worked at Medibank where she innovated evidence-informed models of care for private and public health care payors including primary care based chronic disease and integrated care services, hospital readmission avoidance programs and telephone support services. Rebecca has a Professional Doctorate in Applied Public Health (DrPH) from UNSW.
Ms Bailey is an expert in Aboriginal primary health care with a broad interest in public health, especially mental healt…
Ms Bailey is an expert in Aboriginal primary health care with a broad interest in public health, especially mental health, child and maternal health as well as in policy, strategic planning and governance. A Yorta Yorta woman from the NSW-Victorian border region, she was CEO of the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council for 25 years, and was instrumental in the creation of the Coalition for Research to Improve Aboriginal Health (CRIAH) as a partnership between the Sax Institute and AH&MRC. She has a law degree from the University of Melbourne and was awarded the Australian Government’s Centenary Medal in 2003 for her contribution to health.
Professor Blyth is an epidemiologist with a special research interest in chronic pain. She is Coordinator of Medical Edu…
Professor Blyth is an epidemiologist with a special research interest in chronic pain. She is Coordinator of Medical Education at The University of Sydney’s Concord Clinical School.
Professor D’Este is a biostatistician with over 30 years of experience in health and medical research. She has previousl…
Professor D’Este is a biostatistician with over 30 years of experience in health and medical research. She has previously held positions as Chair in Biostatistics at the Australian National University and The University of Newcastle, and currently has honorary appointments at both of those institutions. Cate has extensive experience in the design and analysis of a wide array of research projects in population health, covering a variety of study designs and methods such as cross-sectional studies and surveys, cohort studies, audits, analysis of routinely collected administrative health data and disease register data (including linked data), and experimental designs such as individual and cluster randomised controlled trials and stepped-wedge cluster randomised trials.
Dr Frommer is a public health physician with extensive experience in government, NGO and academic roles. His contributio…
Dr Frommer is a public health physician with extensive experience in government, NGO and academic roles. His contributions have been in injury epidemiology, perinatal health and data linkage systems, cancer services, and medical education. Michael designed and implemented the NSW Government’s research infrastructure funding program (now Medical Research Support Program). A former head of the University of Sydney’s medical program, he is an Adjunct Professor in the university’s Faculty of Medicine and Health, and is helping to develop the university’s satellite Dubbo medical program.
Professor Haines has 20 years of senior experience across the government, corporate, academic and not-for-profit sectors…
Professor Haines has 20 years of senior experience across the government, corporate, academic and not-for-profit sectors, with expertise in health research, evaluation and translational initiatives. Mary has held senior executive service and Board positions in the NSW Government, and serves as board member of Sydney Local Health District. Mary is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Sydney, Sydney School of Public Health, Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics.
Dr Lines has extensive expertise and leadership in the mental health sector, having worked in many key roles including f…
Dr Lines has extensive expertise and leadership in the mental health sector, having worked in many key roles including four years from 2015 to 2019 as Executive Director of the NSW Health Mental Health Branch. Over the course of her career, her roles have spanned clinical work, academic teaching, policy development and analysis, service development and planning and leadership. Karin was awarded the Public Service Medal for services to mental health in 2018. She has a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Sydney, a Master’s degree in Nursing (Mental Health) from the University of Western Sydney and an Honours degree from Macquarie University.
Prof Christine Paul is Head of Research for the School of Medicine and Public Health at the University of Newcastle. Ch…
Prof Christine Paul is Head of Research for the School of Medicine and Public Health at the University of Newcastle. Chris has a track record for delivering on rigorous behaviour change interventions on an individual, system and population level. Prof Paul has produced high quality, practice-relevant behavioural research across a range of health issues and behaviours.
Sarah is a population and public health expert with over 30 years’ experience in the policy, front-line and research sec…
Sarah is a population and public health expert with over 30 years’ experience in the policy, front-line and research sectors. She has a deep understanding of the public health system and the complexities involved in using administrative and other data to monitor the impact of policies and interventions. As a recent, former Executive Director for the Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence, NSW Ministry of Health, Sarah has successfully led strategies that developed and strengthened the public health workforce. She also led the evaluation function for Population Health, enhanced statewide data linkage; developed the NSW Data Literacy Capability Framework, and led the strategic population health research agenda.
Anthony leads on information security at the Institute and fulfils a consultancy role supporting digital transformation …
Anthony leads on information security at the Institute and fulfils a consultancy role supporting digital transformation across the organisation. He has responsibility for providing effective business systems and client liaison for SURE. Prior to joining the Institute, Anthony performed a senior IT role with Cancer Council NSW, where he gained key experience in protecting research data and knowledge in a not-for-profit sector setting. With over 20 years’ prior experience working in technical and senior leadership roles in information technology departments, Anthony has significant experience in both global and national organisations delivering mission-critical digital services.
Millie is responsible for commercial and contractual matters within the Institute. Her mandate includes compliance, risk…
Millie is responsible for commercial and contractual matters within the Institute. Her mandate includes compliance, risk management, and corporate and research governance. She has over 25 years’ experience in senior management positions in a complex, large-scale industry as well as other mutual organisations. Some of her previous roles include seven years as the CEO of a mutual life insurance company as well as a founding director of a successful start-up. Millie has sound understanding of legislative and regulatory requirement and strong compliance skills. She has qualifications from the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (UK) and is an associate member of the Governance Institute of Australia.
Kerrin leads the Institute’s 45 and Up Study and its teams. She is responsible for the ongoing development of this natio…
Kerrin leads the Institute’s 45 and Up Study and its teams. She is responsible for the ongoing development of this national research resource, building engagement with participants, partners, policy makers and researchers, and fostering collaborations to support translation of knowledge from research into policy and practice. Her previous role was as head of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s Primary Health Network and Primary Health Care Reporting Unit, where she worked to fill data gaps and support organisations to meet community health needs. Kerrin worked as a clinician for over 20 years and has a PhD from the University of Sydney.
Bethany is responsible for providing comprehensive human resources (HR) advice and support to the Institute. Her focus i…
Bethany is responsible for providing comprehensive human resources (HR) advice and support to the Institute. Her focus includes employee engagement, HR strategic development, recruitment and talent management, and staff development. A committed and passionate HR professional, Bethany worked at a global law firm as the National HR Manager for over a decade before joining the Institute. In that role, she led the HR team to provide support to staff within Australia and New Zealand. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (HRM & Management) from the University of Wollongong and has gained experience across a number of industries, including legal and not-for-profit organisations, since graduating.
Matt is responsible for the Secure Unified Research Environment (SURE) that provides a secure workspace to over 450 rese…
Matt is responsible for the Secure Unified Research Environment (SURE) that provides a secure workspace to over 450 researchers accessing data from more than 25 data custodians. In this role, Matt regularly explores and implements new opportunities for delivering significant improvements in capacity and processing power that will improve the experience for researchers and data custodians. Matt has extensive experience in survey research, including in data management and analysis, and management of large-scale research operations. Matt has senior executive experience in a human services delivery agency, and has a Graduate Certificate in Survey and Market Research Methods, and a Master of International Relations.
Alice leads the Evaluate team to support government and non-government organisations to plan for, demonstrate, understan…
Alice leads the Evaluate team to support government and non-government organisations to plan for, demonstrate, understand and communicate their impact. Alice has over ten years’ experience working in the government, academic and not-for-profit sectors, with academic and policy expertise in the health and human services sectors. Prior to joining the Sax Institute, Alice worked as Manager of Evaluation at the Department of Communities and Justice, formerly FACS, where she managed and lead project teams to design, commission and monitor a wide range of complex evaluations. Alice has a passion for evidence informed program and policy design, and for developing innovative tools and methods to support decision makers design, implement and evaluate their programs and policies.
Sumi is the Director of the Study of Environment on Aboriginal Resilience and Child Health (SEARCH) at the Institute and…
Sumi is the Director of the Study of Environment on Aboriginal Resilience and Child Health (SEARCH) at the Institute and an Adjunct Associate Professor at the School of Public Health, University of Sydney. She is responsible for managing SEARCH and its community partnerships and a program of research on childhood obesity and food insecurity in urban Aboriginal communities. An experienced nutritional epidemiologist, Sumi was previously the global coordinator of a public-private alliance promoting efforts to tackle vitamin and mineral deficiency in lower- and middle-income countries. She has worked for over 20 years on the identification and implementation of strategies to improve nutrition and health for women and children. Sumi has a PhD in Nutrition from the University of Bangalore, India.
Christine is responsible for innovation and strategic development within the Institute’s simulation modelling program. I…
Christine is responsible for innovation and strategic development within the Institute’s simulation modelling program. In this role, Christine works closely with the Decision Analytics team to drive innovation and to identify and develop new opportunities to apply simulation modelling across the health sector.
Prior to joining the Sax Institute, Christine worked for the NSW Ministry of Health’s Office for Health and Medical Research. She has over 10 years’ experience in health and research policy development for not-for-profit and public organisations. She holds a Master of Public Health and a Master of Science by research.
Hugo manages the Sax Institute’s media activities and relationships, ensuring that the Institute maintains and raises it…
Hugo manages the Sax Institute’s media activities and relationships, ensuring that the Institute maintains and raises its national and international profile. More broadly, he is involved in writing and editing content and managing editorial projects aimed at the Institute’s various audiences. Before joining the Institute in 2018, Hugo had a career in medical and health journalism in both France and Australia. His most recent roles were as online editor with the Australasian Medical Publishing Company, which publishes the Medical Journal of Australia, and features writer with Australian Doctor. He is the author of three novels.
Scott is a Wiradjuri man who lives on Dharawal Country. He is the Director, Aboriginal Health at the Sax Institute and h…
Scott is a Wiradjuri man who lives on Dharawal Country. He is the Director, Aboriginal Health at the Sax Institute and has nearly 30 years’ experience in Indigenous affairs at local, state, national and international levels. His experience spans from urban to remote communities mainly in the health, education and early childhood sectors including leadership roles in service and program delivery, community development, research and evaluation and policy. He has a PhD in Aboriginal Education, a Masters of Applied Epidemiology and a Graduate Diploma in Health Services Management.