Leadership and Governance
Our Management Team
Our executive team at HealthWISE brings together extensive experience in health care, strategy, finance and operations to ensure the best outcomes for our communities.
Ms Sally Urquhart
Chief Executive Officer
Appointed CEO of HealthWISE in 2026, Ms Sally Urquhart brings extensive experience in strategy, project development and tender writing. With a background in speech pathology and an MBA, Sally is an effective communicator with a strong track record in securing grant funding to deliver valuable initiatives for local communities. Drawing on her experience as Executive Manager of Strategy, she leads HealthWISE with a focus on sustainable growth and impact, including the establishment of fee-for-service allied health and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services.
Ms Sarah Dean
Executive Manager of Services
Ms Sarah Dean brings extensive experience in service delivery, contracts and program management to her role as Executive Manager of Services at HealthWISE. With a strong understanding of community and health services, Sarah oversees the effective delivery of HealthWISE mental health, allied health, wellbeing, community and medical specialist outreach services. She is committed to ensuring services are high-quality, responsive and accountable, supporting positive outcomes for individuals, families and communities across the region.
Ms Louise Ingall
Executive Manager of Strategy
Ms Louise Ingall brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in advocacy, communications and business development to her role as Executive Manager – Strategy at HealthWISE. With a strong understanding of the current health landscape and its impact on rural communities, Louise plays a key role in shaping strategic direction and partnerships. Drawing on her experience across strategy, research, engagement and communications within HealthWISE, she supports initiatives that strengthen service sustainability, collaboration and positive outcomes for the communities HealthWISE serves.
Mr Michael Gill
Manager of Information & Communication Technology
Mr Michael Gill is a dedicated professional with 17 years of experience in the IT sector. With 10 years of experience supporting IT systems and processes within the primary health care sector, he brings comprehensive health IT knowledge to HealthWISE. As Information & Communication Technology Manager, he leads the IT team in developing and maintaining communication networks, infrastructure, and cloud-based services utilised by HealthWISE, as well as integrating and adapting new and emerging technologies for use by the wider HealthWISE team.
Ms Nicolette Randell
Manager of Finance
Ms Nicolette Randell has more than 15 years experience in the finance sector in various roles. Since 2015 she has been responsible for the finance team as Finance Manager. Nicolette plays a crucial role in our budget preparation, and is an integral part of the financial health of HealthWISE. Responsible for reporting the organisation’s financial position to the Finance Audit & Risk Committee, Nicolette mitigates any potential risks, facilitates the annual financial audit and ensures compliance within the company’s financial structure.
Ms Tanya Douglass
Manager of Corporate Services
HealthWISE Corporate Services Manager, Ms Tanya Douglass has over 24 year’s experience in the operational management of both private businesses and non-government organisations. Tanya has led teams in retail, Aboriginal health and allied health, and comes with a broad knowledge of business development and the diversity needed to thrive in an ever-changing health environment. She has won a number of management awards in various businesses and has been a consultant in client service and management. Her strengths lie in business planning, training, change management and risk management.
Our Board
Guided by a diverse, inclusive and skilled board, HealthWISE benefits from expertise across the health care, finance, education and community engagement spheres, ensuring our work remains aligned with our purpose of creating healthier communities.
Ms Lynette Rickard
Chair
B.Sc, GradDipEd
Ms Rickard is the Executive Director Education and Skills – Digital at TAFE NSW. She was appointed
chair of the HealthWISE board in October 2023. She is a director on the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, and on the Corporate Governance Committee.
Ms Alison Treloar
BAppSc (Hons) ExSc
Ms Treloar has a background in exercise physiology, stakeholder engagement and economic development. She was appointed a director in February 2024 and is a director on the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.
Ms Ann Houston
MBA, GAICD, BEd
Ms Houston has an extensive background in management consultancy and is based in southern Queensland. She was appointed a director in February 2020 and chairs the Corporate Governance Committee.
Dr James Marshall
FACRRM, FRACGP, FARGP, MBBS, MScTech (OHS& Ergonomics), BAppSc (Physio)
Dr Marshall is a Rural Generalist GP currently practising in Armidale with a professional background in physiotherapy, occupational health and ergonomics. He was appointed a director in February 2024 and is a director on the Clinical & Cultural Governance Committee.
Mr James Wallace
Bec. (ANU).
Mr Wallace is a business owner based in Tamworth. He was formerly a partner with a large financial services firm and spent 25 years in the finance industry. He was appointed a director in January 2016 and is the chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.
Ms Lia Mahony
BPharm (Hons), MClinPharm.
Ms Mahony is a pharmacist based in Tamworth. She chairs the Clinical and Cultural Governance Committee.
Dr Zach Byfield
DPS (Health), MPhil (Health), MNursing, BNursing.
Dr Byfield has an extensive background in clinical nursing and education. Zach was appointed a director in February 2024 and is a director on the Clinical & Cultural Governance Committee and the Corporate Governance Committee.
Our Governance Committees
Ms Kerry Strong
Cultural Lead
Ms Susan McGuire
Governance Lead
Clinical and Cultural Governance Sub-committee
The sub-committee plays a vital role in ensuring that HealthWISE delivers services that are both clinically effective and culturally appropriate for our communities. The committee is responsible for identifying and addressing local service needs, monitoring the quality and safety of existing programs, and promoting continuous improvement.
Corporate Governance Sub Committee
The Corporate Governance Sub Committee is responsible for reviewing and making recommendations to the Board of Directors relating to HealthWISE corporate governance practices. This includes the composition of the board and sub– committees, the development of appropriate systems, and procedures to enable the board to exercise and discharge its responsibilities in accordance with sound corporate governance.
Finance, Audit and Risk Sub Committee
The FAR sub-committee assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibilities in relation to:
- The organisation’s financial management and reporting process and policies;
- Internal controls;
- Compliance with applicable laws and regulations and relevant codes of conduct; and
- Monitoring the performance of the risk management framework.
