Ovarian Cancer Australia Announces Debbie Shiell as CEO to Lead Impactful New Era

Debbie brings over 20 years of experience in the NFP sector, having held influential leadership roles at the Austin Health Foundation, Monash Health Foundation, Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation and Interplast. Her career journey has always been guided by a deep commitment to moving humanity forward by creating deep connections to generate reflection, growth and direction. 

During her tenure as Fundraising Director at Monash Health Foundation, Debbie secured funding that transformed the diagnostic imaging suite in the new Monash Children’s Hospital and enabled ambient theatre technology to be fitted in all the treatment rooms.  

At Austin Health, Debbie worked closely with Dame Olivia Newton-John at the ONJ Cancer & Wellness Centre, doubling the event income for her Wellness Walk each year over a five-year period. Debbie was honoured to be invited by Olivia’s family to speak at Olivia’s State memorial on behalf of Austin Health. Debbie shared in her speech and knows in her heart, cancer is more than just a physical journey; it requires support for the body, mind and spirit.  

Most recently, Debbie has been the founder and director of LOHK Consulting, providing leadership coaching and consulting in communications, philanthropy and culture. She brings her extensive expertise and visionary leadership, coupled with her background in the NFP sector, to her new role at Ovarian Cancer Australia as the organisation develops its 2030 vision. 

In accepting the role Debbie said “I feel like all of the experiences I have had in my career have culminated in leading me to here. This role feels more like a calling than a role, and I want to play my part in supporting and leading the team that serves our women. I want to play my part in the legacy that is Ovarian Cancer Australia.”  

Reflecting on the announcement, Meghan Speers, Chair of Ovarian Cancer Australia’s Board, shared: “We are excited to have Debbie lead Ovarian Cancer Australia through its next phase. She brings a wealth of experience in the NFP and health sector and has been responsible for driving significant financial growth across her career in fundraising. Debbie is passionate about the treatment of cancer as being a holistic journey of care, which is well aligned with the role Ovarian Cancer Australia holds”. 

About Ovarian Cancer Australia:  

Ovarian Cancer Australia (OCA) is an independent national not-for-profit organisation supporting people impacted by ovarian cancer. Their focus is to provide care and support those affected by ovarian cancer and their families and represent them by leading change. Ovarian Cancer Australia is the only organisation in Australia that provides free access to specialist ovarian cancer nurses to anyone affected by ovarian cancer, no matter where they live.  

For media enquiries, please contact:   
Emma Kelly | PR & Communications Officer  

E: emma.kelly@ovariancancer.net.au  | M: 0419 955 158