The NCN Health Board has announced the appointment of their new chief executive officer, Dr Mark Ashcroft.
Dr Ashcroft will join NCN Health from Monday, June 17 and NCN Health Board Director Tricia Quibell said the recruitment panel was impressed with the calibre of applicants that led to a highly competitive field for the CEO role.
“Mark impressed the recruitment panel with his commitment to innovation, quality care and the health, social and economic development of his community and staff,” she said.
Dr Ashcroft began his career as a registered nurse at GV Health.
He then gained additional qualifications in critical care and midwifery while working in various hospitals.
In 2002, he joined Alpine Health as health services manager.
During his 14 years with Alpine Health, he served multiple times as acting chief executive officer.
He led numerous projects and partnerships and completed a 12-month secondment to the Scottish NHS, overseeing the roll out of the first virtual ward.
Dr Ashcroft joined Beechworth Health in 2016 as chief executive officer.
He has actively participated in the Hume Health Services Partnership, mentored new chief executive officers and executives, and collaborated on projects with NCN Health and other health services.
Ms Quibell said the board is confident Dr Ashcroft will fit well with the NCN Health team due to his extensive experience and leadership skills.
“Mark operates with a strong learning culture, he leads by example, having added to his nursing qualifications with a PhD - Innovation Implementation in Public Healthcare in Victoria and Master’s in Commerce and Management,” Ms Quibell said.
Ms Quibell said the board of directors wished to acknowledge the hard work of interim chief executive officer Justin Sullivan and the leadership team during this transition period.
“Justin has led the organisation with a steady hand that has impressed the Board and given us continued confidence in the operations of NCN Health,” she said.
“The role of interim chief executive officer is challenging, as you still hold a degree of responsibility in your substantive position whilst also leading the organisation.”