Our Executive Leadership Team
The Hunter New England Health Executive Leadership Team consists of members from a variety of backgrounds who each has significant experience in managing public health services in NSW.
Tracey McCosker PSM
Ms Tracey McCosker, Chief Executive, has worked in the NSW public health system for over 30 years, starting as Business Manager for Hunter Area Pathology Service, and then in senior roles across the District’s finance, corporate and clinical services.
In 2012, Ms McCosker was appointed Chief Executive of NSW Health Pathology, leading the establishment of an integrated state-wide public pathology service. In 2018, she was awarded an Australian Public Service Medal for outstanding service to public health in NSW.
Ms McCosker has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Newcastle, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Southern Queensland; and she is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Leading one of the largest local health district’s in NSW, Ms McCosker is committed to guiding an organisation that models respect and inclusion, fosters an innovative and cohesive workforce, and is focused on delivering high-quality patient-centred care.
Elizabeth Grist
Ms Elizabeth Grist, Executive Director, Clinical Services, Nursing and Midwifery, is responsible for assisting the Chief Executive to maintain an appropriately resourced, qualified and competent nursing and midwifery workforce. Ms Grist is also responsible for the Multicultural Health Unit, Infection Prevention and Control and the portfolios of Population Health and Performance and Planning. Ms Grist has the role of Health Service Functional Area Co-ordination with responsibility for coordination of health service response and disaster management.
Lauren Cruz
Ms Lauren Cruz, Executive Director, Strategic Relations and Communication, is responsible for promoting the work, values and achievements of Hunter New England Health. Key functions of her team include media relations, digital media and developing and implementing communication strategies to support the work of the organisation. Ms Cruz's team also works closely with the organisation's community engagement groups.
Melissa O'Brien
Ms Melissa O'Brien, Executive Director of Clinical Governance, is responsible for establishing, directing and managing the Local Health District (LHD) Clinical Governance function to promote and support patient safety and clinical excellence within health services. The Executive Director of Clinical Governance provides high level expert advice to the Chief Executive on all clinical governance issues and works collaboratively with other members of the LHD Executive to analyse, maintain and improve patient safety and clinical quality systems across the District.
Susan Heyman
Ms Susan Heyman, Executive Director, Rural and Regional Health Services, is responsible for directing and managing the services and facilities in rural and regional areas of the district, District wide Drug and Alcohol Service, Oral Health, Aged Care and Rehabilitation, Aboriginal Health, Violence Prevention and Care, Community Health Strategy. Ms Heyman is also involved in developing some of Hunter New England Health's Clinical Networks including Chronic Diseases, Aged Care & Rehabilitation Services and Hospital in the Home.
Tony Gilbertson
Mr Tony Gilbertson, Executive Director, Finance, is responsible for planning and reporting on the use of financial resources, monitoring of Hunter New England Health's budget performance including extensive management reporting to the Executive Leadership Team, Governing Council and NSW Health. Ownership and submission of statutory and professional reporting requirements of Hunter New England Health include addressing audit matters and ensuring appropriate financial management controls and practices.
Karen Kelly
Ms Karen Kelly, Executive Director, Greater Metropolitan Health Services, is responsible for directing and managing the effective and efficient planning and delivery of all acute clinical services in the metropolitan area - and making sure these services are aligned with the strategic priorities of Hunter New England Health and NSW Health. Ms Kelly is also responsible for ensuring integration within and across networks to help deliver quality health care and implement the Area Clinical Networks.
Chris Levi
Dr Chris Levi, Director of Learning Health Systems, John Hunter Health and innovation Precinct, is responsible for clinical leadership and guiding further collaboration and synergy between health care, research and innovation as the Precinct develops in coming years. During the precinct development phase Dr Levi will lead the connecting of innovation, research and health care improvement, developing and enhancing systems that will bring people together in partnership to establish the Precinct as Australia’s first learning health system.
Kim Nguyen
Mr Kim Nguyen, Executive Director, Workforce and Allied Health, is responsible for providing professional, strategic and clinical leadership for Allied Health as well as workforce planning, development strategy and capability, human resources strategy, organisational change, learning and development across Hunter New England Health. Mr Nguyen also provides input from an allied health perspective into service planning, quality and safety programs. Mr Nguyen is also responsible for directing the efficient and effective provision of occupational health and safety, human resource and employee/industrial relations services across the District.
Ramsey Awad
Dr Ramsey Awad, Executive Director, Infrastructure, Planning & Sustainability, is responsible for managing and delivering Clinical Planning, Capital Works, Engineering Maintenance and Sustainability for the Hunter New England Health District. He leads a team of managers and staff who deliver these integrated services and provides expert strategic advice to the Chief Executive.
Chris Mitchell
Mr Chris Mitchell, Executive Director, Information Communications & Technology is responsible for the delivery of safe, effective, efficient and connected information and communication technology for the District. This includes ICT strategy development and governance, service delivery, information security and privacy, project portfolio management, ICT infrastructure and application services.
Paul Craven
Dr. Paul Craven is the Executive Director of children, young people, and families, medical workforce, and of networks and streams. Paul provides strategic guidance for children's health within Hunter New England Health. He ensures junior and senior doctors' well-being, governance, and educational needs are met, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes. He comprehensively integrates services and programs in paediatrics, child health, child protection and wellbeing. Additionally, he collaborates with hospital medical service directors to manage workforce planning, governance, and accreditation for senior medical staff, proactively addressing future service demands and supply challenges through strategic initiatives.
Julie Tait
Ms Julie Tait, Executive General Manager, John Hunter Hospital, has worked within the health industry for over 30 years. She has been involved in the redesign of hospital processes and change management. Julie is passionate about patient centred care in hospitals and is motivated to lead contemporary healthcare through team building, succession planning and positive culture reform. Julie believes positive culture and kind, compassionate management needs to be the leading influence in healthcare.
Raylene Gordon
Ms Raylene Gordon, Executive Director, Aboriginal Health, is responsible for the strategic direction, advocacy and planning of Aboriginal health and wellbeing in the District. A decendent of the Kamilaroi people and now living in Awabakal country, Ms Gordon has a strong focus to deliver on the District’s commitment to make meaningful gains for the more than 90,0000 Aboriginal people living and working across the Hunter New England region. The Executive Director of Aboriginal Health will help to improve equity of access to health services by working in partnership with Aboriginal people, creating genuine opportunities and improved outcomes for First Nations communities.