Our Board
Emma Grigson
Chair
Emma specialises in strategic planning, governance and risk and served as a Health Officer within the Australian Defence Force for just under 20 years. Upon transition out of the military, Emma worked as the Director of Emergency Management and Preparedness for SA Health. Her experience includes local, national, international and indigenous health planning and service delivery, with a strong focus on education and empowerment.
She holds several tertiary qualifications in leadership, management, health and is finalising her doctorate in law. In addition to WHEN, Emma serves on a number of Boards which focus on education and women’s participation in sport.
A mum and wife, Emma enjoys travelling, hiking, swimming and Pilates.
Kristy Thomas
Vice Chair
Kristy Thomas is an executive marketer and purpose-led leader with 20 years of ANZ experience and brings a focus to customer, member, and donor experiences. Helping organisations to deliver impact and sustainability, Kristy offers strategic leadership, marketing, communications, and digital know-how, drawing on her experience of launching brands and driving growth across the travel, automotive and membership categories.
Kristy is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and holds a Bachelor of Business, with accreditations in Cybersecurity Risk and Strategy, and currently volunteers her time with ADHD Australia as their Chief Marketing Officer. As a member of the WHEN board, she is excited to help change the conversation in women's health across Australia.
Katherine Ash
Fundraising
Katherine has more than a decade of experience in the non-profit sector, driving strategic growth across philanthropy and fundraising. She has worked across numerous state based and national non-profits and is currently the Executive General Manager, Fundraising & Philanthropy at the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section). She has a strong understanding of the governance requirements for non-profit boards associated with fundraising in Australia, and the role that directors play in growing philanthropic support for impactful causes. She is an active member of the Fundraising Institute of Australia and holds a Bachelor of Public Relations & Marketing and a Graduate Diploma of Philanthropy and Non-Profit Studies.
Beth Cox
Director
Beth is a seasoned legal and policy specialist, boasting a rich background in corporate and community law, alongside a comprehensive track record in devising and refining legislation and policy for a range of Australian state and federal agencies. Her expertise spans a diverse array of subjects including public health, disability, and environmental protection, as well as land management.
A fervent advocate for enhancing women's health outcomes, Beth is dedicated to ensuring women have access to clear, transparent information and robust networks of support.
Her commitment to these causes is further underscored by her past board memberships, including prestigious positions with the YWCA Canberra and the Women's Legal Service in Tasmania.
Peter Boyles
Director
Peter is a prominent Chief Pharmacist for Tasmania with a profound focus on public health. His notable accomplishments include pioneering the development and rollout of Australia's first Real-Time Reporting System for prescription medications, a significant step towards improving healthcare.
In addition, Peter's dedication to public health was evident when he successfully led the 2018 Tasmanian Men ACWY mass vaccination program, as well as when he skilfully managed the transition of Tasmanian health practitioners and the health system following the rescheduling of combination codeine analgesics.
Peter's commitment to enhancing health outcomes is further highlighted by his development of a world-class clinical-regulatory service that has played a crucial role in reducing Tasmania's opioid-related death rate, showcasing his impactful approach to addressing addiction and dependence on prescription medications.
Moreover, Peter has been instrumental in the design and implementation of Tasmania’s Controlled Access Scheme for medical cannabis products. His exceptional leadership skills were on full display when he served as the Director of Tasmania’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he navigated through the complexities of the health crisis with determination and expertise.
Marco van der Heide
Director
Marco is a highly experienced IT professional with a career spanning over 20 years in key industries such as telecommunications, logistics, and finance. His expertise in Information Technology and governance has been integral to his managerial roles across Europe and Australia. As the co-founder of WHEN, Marco has been instrumental in integrating advanced technology solutions into the health sector. His work is geared towards harnessing technology to enhance healthcare outcomes, with a particular emphasis on innovations that improve wellness and health education. In addition to his role at WHEN, Marco serves on several boards, bringing a unique blend of tech-savvy and strategic vision. Beyond his professional pursuits, he is a dedicated diver and an advocate for the conservation of marine ecosystems.
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