The Australian Cardiovascular Alliance (ACvA) is pleased to announce a change in leadership with Dr Catherine Shang being appointed as CEO from 1 July, following the resignation of Rob Tassie.

Dr Catherine Shang (PhD, GAICD), has managed large-scale national health data infrastructure, including as Acting Director of the Victorian Cancer Registry, and major multi-million dollar academic-industry collaborative programs at the University of Oxford. For the past five years, Catherine has been ACvA Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives.

ACvA’s President, Prof Jamie Vandenberg, said “Catherine brings international research experience and leadership experience from complementary sectors in Australia. She has strong connections across the sector, and a deep commitment to the ACvA mission.  This changeover ensures that all our initiatives will continue with strong leadership and thorough understanding of the needs of our sector and research community,”

“I’m excited to continue driving our work and advocacy efforts, and to build on the momentum that’s been established,” said Dr Shang. “We have a very clear strategy to pursue, and I look forward to continuing to work with all our stakeholders.”

Mr Tassie is staying in the cardiovascular sector as he joins the Shane Warne Legacy as CEO in July.

“It has been a privilege to work alongside such a talented team, our Board, and our members. People in our community are the beating heart of ACvA, and when gathered for a common purpose we can demonstrate the incredible difference research can make to patients,” he said. “I look forward to working with ACvA again because its work makes such an impact.”

Professor Jamie Vandenberg, added, “Rob has refined our strategy and in particular, built momentum behind the need for a National Cardiovascular Data platform that will underpin better service provision, facilitate research, and deliver better health outcomes for Australians. We are also delighted that Rob will remain in the cardiovascular sector and we look forward to continued engagement in the future.”

ACvA remains committed to advancing cardiovascular health, and we look forward to continuing our work with our members, partners, and the broader community.