Former Labor senator Kristina Keneally has been announced as the new chief executive of the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation, months after her defeat in the federal election.
The SCHF is one of the largest children’s charities in Australia that promotes investment in the prevention and management of childhood illness.
The former NSW premier said she was “thrilled” to join the organisation, saying she has been “inspired” by their work.
“I have long been inspired by SCHF and I am excited to join SCHF leadership team and build upon the great foundation to ensure we can continue to create an enduring and positive impact on children’s health,” she said.
Ms Keneally was ousted from politics after a shock defeat to independent candidate and western Sydney local Dai Le in the seat of Fowler.
Fowler is traditionally one of Labor’s safest seats, but Ms Le nabbed the seat from Ms Keneally with a narrow margin of less than 3000 votes in the May election.
The former senator said she was “incredibly humbled” to be given the opportunity to work on the improvement of children’s hospital care.
“I’ve had the pleasure to meet some of the team and I understand what drives and motivates them, which brings greater purpose to my new position,” she said.
“I look forward to working together to drive change, offer new perspectives, champion innovation and achieve even greater things for sick kids and their families in NSW and beyond.”
Ms Keneally previously worked as the NSW youth co-ordinator for St Vincent de Paul when she first moved to Sydney from the US.
SCHF board chair Len Chersky said the foundation was “delighted” to welcome Ms Keneally, a fierce advocate for children and their families.
“We know her voice and vision will help SCHF continue to make a positive impact on the lives of sick kids and their families through funding world-class healthcare and research,” he said.
“Kristina is a fierce advocate for children and their families as well as improving access to healthcare for kids.
“Importantly, Kristina is a proven leader who has demonstrated her strength, discipline and composure during her career and will bring the strategic and leadership skills, along with a strong relationship network, to drive SCHF to achieve its important mission.”
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