Benalla Health has announced its new Chief Executive Officer.

Jacqueline Kelly has been appointed to the position after an extensive nationwide recruitment campaign and commenced on 7 February.

Benalla Health Chair Dr Dennis O’Brien said Ms Kelly had a wealth of experience within the health sector that would assist her in leading Benalla Health.

“We are delighted to announce that we have appointed Jackie to this position, she is highly qualified, and we are excited to welcome her on board,” he said.

Ms Kelly holds a Bachelor of Nursing, Diploma of Human Resource Management-Communications and a Masters of Leadership and Development and has worked at a hospital level as a nurse and in management throughout her career.

“Jackie has worked across all sectors of health, which makes her the perfect person to fulfil this role,” Dr O’Brien said.

Ms Kelly started her nursing career in her native New Zealand before moving to Australia to take up the position of General Manager with EACH, a community health provider in metropolitan Melbourne.

“She was at the helm of EACH for 12 years before moving to the position of Chief Executive Officer of Heywood Rural Health for more than two years,” Dr O’Brien said.

“Jackie then moved onto her most recent role as Chief Executive Officer at Moyne Health Services.

“She has a proven track record of strong executive management background.”

Dr O’Brien said on behalf of the Board of Directors he wanted to thank Andrew Nitschke for taking on the role as interim Chief Executive Officer following the resignation of Janine Holland.

“Andrew has done a sterling job under very difficult circumstances and we as a board are very grateful for his strong leadership,” he said.

“He has provided excellent support to the board and staff while handling the usual complexities of running the hospital and the ever-changing COVID 19 pandemic.”