We’re governed by a board of ten non-executive members and the Chief Executive. The Lifeblood Board reports to the Australian Red Cross Board, which has overall responsibility and oversight. They appoint all non-executive board members.
Along with the generic skills most boards need, our Board also needs to understand the health sector, transfusion medicine, manufacturing in a highly regulated environment, and government relations and policy. Members are generally appointed for a three-year term, but may be eligible for reappointment.
Our Board plays a vital role in ensuring the good governance of Lifeblood. It's responsible for the organisation’s efficient operation and takes the lead in setting the culture of how we operate. It oversees strategic direction, financial and operational activities and risk management.
Meet the Lifeblood Board

Mr Jim Birch AM - Chair

Adjunct Professor Stephen Cornelissen AM – Chief Executive Officer

Professor Christopher Baggoley AO

Mr Charles Burkitt

Dr Lance Emerson

Ms Julie Fahey

Ms Merran Kelsall AO

Ms Shehani Noakes

Ms Amanda Sellers

Professor Robyn Ward AM

Mrs Gabrielle Hewitson - Board Secretary
Meet our committee members
Advisory committee
- Professor Christopher Baggoley AO (Chair)
- Dr Ellen Maxwell
- Professor Biswadev Mitra
- Ms Zoe McQuilten
- Associate Professor David Roxby
- Dr Matthew O'Sullivan
- Professor Robyn Ward AM
- Professor Lachlan Miles
Ethics committee
- Professor Tari Turner (Chair)
- Mr Stephen Blanks
- Professor John Gibson
- Mr Andrew Greaves
- Ms Andrea Calleia
- Professor Merlin Crossley
- Rev Megan Curlis-Gibson
- Dr Amanda David
- Mr Martin Aicken
- Ms Fiona Harris
Finance and audit committee
- Ms Merran Kelsall AO (Chair)
- Ms Amanda Sellers
- Mr Sam Hardjono
- Ms Shehani Noakes
- Mr Jean-Baptiste Naudet
Nomination and remuneration committee
- Mr Lance Emerson (Chair)
- Mr Ron Berenholtz
- Mr Jim Birch AM
- Mr Charles Burkitt
Risk committee
- Ms Julie Fahey (Chair)
- Ms Leah Bennett
- Mr Jim Birch AM
- Ms Merran Kelsall AO
Meet the Lifeblood Executive

Peter McDonald - Executive Director, Governance, Quality and Assurance

John Brown - Executive Director, Finance and Corporate, and Chief Financial Officer

Dr Joanne Pink - Executive Director, Pathology and Clinical Governance, and Chief Medical Officer

Cath Stone - Executive Director, Donor Engagement and Experience

Ann Larkins - Executive Director, Information and Communications Technology, and Chief Information Officer

Greg Wilkie - Executive Director, Manufacturing and Logistics

Marion Hemphill - General Counsel

Stuart Chesneau - Executive Director, Strategy and Growth
