Dr Juliet Bourke has been appointed the new Chair of the Board at Ovarian Cancer Australia (OCA).
In 2006, Dr Bourke’s journey began with OCA when she first walked into its office as a woman diagnosed with ovarian cancer. At the time, the organisation was still fairly new, with only three full-time staff members. And yet, Dr Bourke found compassion and support during a difficult time.
Since then, she’s been involved with OCA and became a board member in 2021. She has established and chaired the Culture and Remuneration Committee, and has been a member of the Finance and Risk Committee.
Dr Bourke is also a Professor of Practice at the Business School at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), the inaugural independent Chair of the NSW Parliamentary Advisory Group, and a former human capital partner at Deloitte.
With over 15 years of dedication to the cause, Dr Bourke has been a leading voice in shaping OCA’s vision and mission and driving its success.
She replaces Meghan Speers, who is stepping down after three years in the position.
Today, the organisation boasts a team of more than 40 professionals, providing support and advocacy for women and families affected by ovarian cancer – Australia’s most lethal women’s cancer.
“This is a terrible disease, and we can and should do more to prevent and support women and people affected by ovarian cancer. I am deeply honoured to take on the role of Chair of OCA and am incredibly grateful to Meghan Speers for the wonderful legacy she leaves,” says Dr Bourke.
“Together with our fabulous board and staff, and supported by so many in our community, I am excited to build on Meghan’s stewardship and launch OCA’s ambitious new strategic plan in 2025.”
“Alongside our community, I am committed to advancing the organisation’s critical mission and ensuring that the voices of those affected are heard and no woman walks alone,” she said.
Dr Bourke’s passion for gender equity and improving health outcomes, alongside her strategic and leadership skills, will enable her to lead OCA into the unveiling and delivery of its new strategy, set to be revealed early next year.
“Serving as Chair of Ovarian Cancer Australia has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. I am incredibly proud of the work our team has done to support those impacted by ovarian cancer. As I transition to focus on my new role at Deloitte, my commitment to OCA’s mission remains unwavering. I look forward to seeing Juliet lead the organisation into its next chapter,” said Dr Bourke.
Debbie Shiell, CEO of Ovarian Cancer Australia, welcomed Dr Bourke to the new position, saying her “leadership has been transformative, and we are deeply grateful for the lasting impact she has had on Ovarian Cancer Australia”.
“As we welcome Dr Bourke as our new Chair, we are confident that her vast experience and passion will ensure we continue to make meaningful strides in supporting the ovarian cancer community.”