We are delighted to announce the appointment of Ms Kylie Walker as our new Board Chair. ARIIA’s newly formed Independent Board is set to make a profound impact on the aged care and positive aging landscape in Australia.
Kylie is a visionary leader, known for her strategic acumen and her dedication to fostering collaboration and achieving results in the fields of science, technology, and engineering, all guided by evidence-informed decision-making.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the role, Kylie said she was deeply honoured to take on the responsibility, especially during such a critical time for the aged care sector when the needs of older Australians and the delivery of their care are rapidly evolving.
“ARIIA is at the forefront of navigating these changes and is spearheading workforce capability improvements and knowledge delivery, which will have enduring benefits for our growing population of older Australians,” Kylie said.
As the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering (ATSE), Kylie leads seeding campaigns and convenes impactful conversations, strategies, and actions to attract investments that contribute to a thriving, healthy, inclusive, and connected Australia, supported by science and technology.
Kylie is renowned for her ability to bridge the gap between technologists, engineers, scientists, and various stakeholders, including governments, businesses, media, and society. Her wealth of experience, gained from senior federal communications and advocacy roles in the science, technology, and health sectors, equips her to effectively drive change and foster collaborations.
Kylie’s track record includes leading campaigns aimed at bolstering investment in Australian research and development and pioneering acclaimed inclusion programs such as the Superstars of STEM and Elevate: Boosting Women in STEM.
Her extensive Board Chair experience encompasses roles in organisations ranging from Australia’s National Commission for UNESCO to the National Research, as well as involvement in Innovation Alliance and National Science Week. Kylie has also served as a director of community and health sector organisations.
She holds the esteemed title of Visiting Fellow at the Australian Science Media Centre, is recognised as AFR 100 Woman of Influence, and is a member of Chief Executive Women.
Reuben Jacob, ARIIA’s Interim Chief Executive, expressed his confidence in Kylie’s appointment, saying that her demonstrated leadership achievements, combined with her background in health and community sector organisations, make her the ideal person for this role.
“I look forward to working closely with Kylie to ensure ARIIA makes a positive impact on the lives of older Australians. Her appointment heralds a promising era of progress and innovation in the aged care sector across the nation. In her new role, Kylie will steer ARIIA’s continuing efforts and unwavering commitment to driving innovation and transformative change in the aged care sector.”
(Photograph L-R: Interim CEO, Mr Reuben Jacob; Chair, Ms Kylie Walker; Board member, Mr Richard Porter)