Ann Smith’s leadership was recently recognised with her induction into the Victorian, Honour Roll of Women – Leading through Disaster, 2022. Ann led the Victorian Aged Care Response Centre (VACRC) which provided a single point of coordination for Commonwealth activities, in collaboration with Victorian government agencies and the aged care sector, that harnessed the capabilities of governments and the private sector to ensure a comprehensive response to the pandemic. This work was critical to the safety and well being of elders in residential aged care facilities throughout Victoria.

Ann has extensive experience as a leader in private industry and in the Australian Public Service. Ann has developed skills and knowledge in setting and delivering strategic goals within sometimes highly political environments.

Ann has always been interested in developing and coaching people at all levels and across a range of industry areas and has professional qualifications to support these activities.

Ann’s experience, skills and training support her in working with senior executives who are considering current challenges and wanting to maximise their strengths as impactful and effective leaders. To complement this leadership nurturing and development Ann has also developed teams, helping them to understand their goals and collaborate effectively to deliver high performance outcomes.

Ann Smith has worked as a Senior Executive in the Australian Public Service the last 20 years. Appointments include Executive Director of the collaboration between the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments to support residential aged care facilities facing COVID-19 and, Acting CEO of the Australian Organ and Tissue Authority for 6 months establishing a new Board structure.

Ann was also leader of the People Branch in the Australian Department of Health, a Human Resources unit that supported over 4,500 staff across Australia.

Ann has led a wide range of areas in the Australian Public Service including the $5 Billion Health and Hospital Fund that provided infrastructure funding to over 200 public and private health sites in Australia.

Prior to joining the Public Service Ann was CEO of two Private Hospitals in Melbourne Australia that offered a wider range of clinical services including emergency, maternity, and intensive care.

Ann Smith held a non executive Director role on the Carers ACT Board for 18 months.

Carers ACT is a not-for-profit organisation and the peak body for carers in the ACT.

Carers ACT offers support and services designed to nurture, connect and empower carers through practical support such as short-term replacement care, counselling, educational workshops, social and therapeutic activities and advocacy.