Ann Smith is a recognised leader with extensive experience in both private industry and the Australian Public Service. In 2022, her leadership was honoured with induction into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women – Leading Through Disaster for her pivotal role in leading the Victorian Aged Care Response Centre (VACRC). Under her leadership, the VACRC became a critical coordination hub, uniting Commonwealth and Victorian government agencies with the aged care sector to deliver a comprehensive pandemic response—ensuring the safety and well-being of elders in residential aged care across Victoria.

With a proven track record in high-stakes environments, Ann excels in setting and delivering strategic goals, even within complex and politically sensitive contexts.

Beyond strategy and operations, Ann is deeply committed to leadership development. With professional coaching qualifications and a lifelong passion for mentoring leaders at all levels, she works with senior executives to:
✅ Navigate current challenges with clarity and confidence
✅ Maximise their strengths to become impactful, effective leaders
✅ Develop high-performing teams that collaborate and deliver results

Ann’s expertise in both leadership coaching and team development ensures that individuals and organisations are equipped to lead with vision, resilience, and impact.

Ann Smith is an accomplished Senior Executive with over 20 years of leadership experience in the Australian Public Service and the private healthcare sector. She has successfully led high-profile national initiatives, driven strategic policy development, and managed large-scale operations in healthcare, human resources, and governance.

Her key leadership roles include:

🔹 Executive Director, leading the Commonwealth-Victorian collaboration to support residential aged care facilities during COVID-19, ensuring coordinated, effective responses to protect vulnerable communities.

🔹 Acting CEO, Australian Organ and Tissue Authority, where she led the establishment of a new Board structure and strengthened the organisation’s strategic direction.

🔹 Head of People Branch, Australian Department of Health, overseeing HR operations for 4,500+ staff across Australia, ensuring workforce capability, leadership development, and operational effectiveness.

🔹 Program Lead, managing the $5 billion Health and Hospital Fund, which delivered infrastructure funding to 200+ public and private health sites across Australia, strengthening the nation’s healthcare system.

Before her public service career, Ann was CEO of two private hospitals in Melbourne, overseeing a broad spectrum of clinical services, including emergency, maternity, and intensive care.

With extensive experience in crisis leadership, strategic governance, and executive coaching, Ann brings deep insight and practical expertise to leaders navigating complex challenges.

Ann Smith is an experienced Board Member with a strong background in governance, risk management, and strategic oversight. She has held non-executive board roles with:

Carers ACT (2 years) – providing strategic guidance and governance oversight.

The Compassionate Friends Victoria (current) – supporting bereaved families through leadership and advisory contributions.

Australian Organ and Tissue Authority – served as CEO and Board Member for three months during the establishment of its new federal board, ensuring a strong governance framework.

In addition to her board roles, Ann was appointed Chair of the Carers ACT Clinical Governance Committee (2 years - current), where she has been instrumental in embedding clear clinical practices that align with client needs, regulatory requirements, and best practices.

With deep expertise in governance, risk management, and financial sustainability, Ann has helped boards achieve effective strategic alignment while ensuring organisational growth and resilience.

Her clinical background, executive leadership experience, and people management expertise enable her to guide boards through complex human resource challenges, ensuring that organisational goals are met while upholding fairness and legal compliance.

Ann Smith is an experienced Board Member with expertise in governance, risk management, and strategic alignment. Her leadership in clinical governance, financial sustainability, and people management has helped organisations grow and navigate complex challenges.