CEO appointed: new leader for MPHN

New CEO Stewart Gordon will continue MPHN’s work supporting primary care providers and improving health outcomes in the Murrumbidgee.

The firsthealth Board has announced today Stewart Gordon will commence in the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) role at Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) from 29 July 2024, following a highly competitive recruitment process.

Mr Gordon, an accomplished senior health executive and qualified lawyer, will join MPHN from Queensland’s Darling Downs West Moreton Primary Health Network where he held the position of Executive Director, Primary Care and Integration.

Firsthealth Board Chair Dr Jodi Culbert said Mr Gordon’s collaborative style of leadership and wealth of experience will set him in good stead to continue moving MPHN towards its vision of well people, resilient communities.

‘As an organisation with a 30-year history in primary healthcare in the Murrumbidgee, it was important to the Board we appoint a candidate with a strong commitment to rural health and who would lead the organisation with a future focus to ensure the challenges our communities face when accessing care are addressed now and into the future,’ Dr Culbert said.

‘With more than 20 years’ experience in both primary and acute health in rural areas, Stewart is well positioned to understand the challenges and opportunities in the Murrumbidgee and to continue to build on our work in partnership with key stakeholders.

‘We look forward to welcoming Stewart to the team at the end of next month and, on behalf of the Board and MPHN, I congratulate him on his appointment.’

Mr Gordon is excited to take on the CEO role and said he is looking forward to working with the team and wider stakeholders to continue MPHN’s work to support primary care providers and improve health outcomes.

‘Among Primary Health Network colleagues, MPHN is a highly regarded Primary Health Network and has a strong reputation for leadership, innovation and advocacy, and I am proud to continue this legacy,’ Mr Gordon said.

‘I look forward to leading such a dynamic team to drive innovation and transformation within the health system locally to improve the health of people in the Murrumbidgee.

‘As someone who is very familiar with the challenges of primary healthcare in rural and regional areas, I am looking forward to working with the Board, senior leadership team, all employees, stakeholders and the wider community to learn more about MPHN and the people it serves.’

Interim CEO Narelle Mills has led the organisation while recruitment was undertaken and will return to her role as Executive Integration and Partnerships.

‘I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Interim CEO Narelle Mills for her commitment and leadership during the past five months, the Board looks forward to continuing to work closely with her as part of the organisation’s executive leadership,’ Dr Culbert said.

For more information about MPHN visit mphn.org.au