Ann’s career spans executive and governance roles across health, aged care, and social policy. She has advised Ministers, led national initiatives and managed complex reform programs requiring coordination between government, industry and community stakeholders.

Previous roles include:

·   Executive Director, Victorian Aged Care Response Centre – led national pandemic coordination across the aged-care sector.

·   Acting CEO, Australian Organ and Tissue Authority – established inaugural governance frameworks and Board operations.

·   Head of People Branch, Department of Health – led HR strategy and operations for 4,500 staff nationwide.

·   Program Lead, Health and Hospitals Fund – oversaw $5 billion in infrastructure funding to strengthen Australia’s health system.

Before joining the APS, Ann served as CEO of two private hospitals in Melbourne and began her career as a registered nurse in intensive care and midwifery.

Drawing on deep public-sector experience, Ann supports leaders to think strategically, act decisively and sustain performance in complex environments. Navigating demanding contexts with confidence, composure and compassion.

Ann Smith partners with senior leaders to build clarity, capability and confidence in complex environments. A Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and former SES executive, Ann brings over 20 years of experience leading national reforms and high-stakes programs across the Australian Public Service and health sectors.

Her calm, reflective coaching style helps leaders think deeply, strengthen influence and sustain performance. In recognition of her leadership through crisis, Ann was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women – Leading Through Disaster for her work establishing and directing the Victorian Aged Care Response Centre during COVID-19.

Ann is an experienced non-executive director with a strong record in governance, risk and organisational sustainability.

She currently serves as:

·   Chair, Clinical Governance Committee, Carers ACT

·   Director, The Compassionate Friends Victoria (Risk Committee member)

·   Director, Borderline Personality Disorder Foundation

Ann has also held interim CEO roles at Carers ACT and WomenCAN Australia, supporting boards through transition and strategy renewal.