New Chief Executive Officer to lead PSA

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has appointed career-long health care advocate and health policy expert, Mark Kinsela as Chief Executive Officer.

Following an extensive executive search, Mr Kinsela was appointed by the PSA Board and will formally begin his new role on 2 December 2019.

“We are delighted to have someone of Mark’s experience leading PSA into its next stage,” Pharmaceutical Society of Australia National President, Associate Professor Chris Freeman said.

During his career, Mr Kinsela has been an adviser to the Commonwealth Minister for Health and Minister for Social Services and Aged Care. He has worked as a clinical nurse educator and trauma intensive care specialist and most recently was Chief of Staff at the Australian Digital Health Agency.

“Mark’s career has taken in all aspects of health care, from delivery through to policy. It has given him an exceptional level of expertise and insight into the challenges facing Australia’s health care systems and potential solutions, such as innovation and multidisciplinary care.

“PSA is focused on ensuring the role of pharmacists is optimised as Australia strives to provide quality, safe, and effective care to all.

“We believe Mark’s training as a health care provider and executive MBA, combined with his impressive professional background, will help PSA continue to ensure our profession has the opportunity to positively contribute to policy making at the highest levels and achieve the goals outlined in our Pharmacists in 2023 vision.”

A/Prof Freeman thanked interim CEO, Dr Shane Jackson for more than ably leading PSA during its CEO search.

“Dr Jackson was previously PSA President and generously agreed to act as CEO until the role was filled,” he said.

Dr Jackson will step down from the position of interim CEO, once Mr Kinsela officially commences and after this will continue to lead PSA’s negotiations of the 7CPA.

/Public Release.