ALBURY Wodonga Health has appointed Leigh McJames as its replacement chief executive following the departure of Sue O'Neill.
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Mr McJames returns to AWH from a four-year stint with the National Blood Authority after previously playing a role in the establishment of the cross-border health service.
His appointment for a five-year term was announced by board chairman Lou Lieberman on Thursday.
The Border Mail understands he emerged from a short-list of five applicants to replace Ms O'Neill, who was head-hunted by the St Vincent's public hospital in Melbourne after being with AWH for less than 18 months.
“We look forward to Leigh’s return to the organisation, and his wealth of experience, in the role of chief executive officer and working with him as AWH takes the next steps to become a major regional health service,” Mr Lieberman said.
Mr McJames begins in the role on May 30.
He previously worked for the National Blood Authority before joining AWH in 2009 as transition manager in the start-up before occupying the role of executive director corporate support until 2012.
His most recent areas of responsibility with the authority include the adequate, safe, secure and affordable supply of blood and blood products in Australia.
Mr McJames previously worked for defence in a diverse range of positions.
They include senior military and civilian management roles in corporate support, acquisition and procurement, logistics and the development and implementation of strategic international defence policy.
He was based at Bandiana, but has held advisory appointments at the Australian embassy in Washington and Baghdad.
Mr McJames also has farming interests in the Mitta Valley.
Dr Stuart Spring was the inaugural AWH chief executive before being replaced by Ms O'Neill.
AWH recorded its first profit last financial year with its budget growing from $130 million to $240 million since its inception.
The health service is one of the twin cities largest employers with more than 2000 permanent and part-time staff.
The CEO appointment comes ahead of the anticipated mid-year opening of the Albury-Wodonga regional cancer centre.
Catherine O'Connell, who has been acting chief executive, returns to her previous senior executive position.