Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation (SCHF) is delighted to announce the appointment of Kristina Keneally as its new Chief Executive Officer. An experienced leader, Ms Keneally takes over from Nicola Stokes who served the organisation for six years.

“We are delighted to welcome a leader of Kristina’s calibre to the Foundation,” said SCHF Board Chair, Mr Len Chersky.

“We know her voice and vision will help SCHF continue to make a positive impact on the lives of sick kids and their families through funding world-class healthcare and research.”

“Kristina is a fierce advocate for children and their families, as well as improving access to healthcare for kids. Importantly, Kristina is a proven leader who has demonstrated her strength, discipline and composure during her career and will bring the strategic and leadership skills, along with a strong relationship network, to drive SCHF to achieve its important mission.”

Following a long and successful political career, Ms Keneally is thrilled to return to the For Purpose sector.

“I am thrilled to join SCHF at such a pivotal time in their story,” Ms Keneally said.

“I have long been inspired by SCHF and I am excited to join SCHF leadership team and build upon the great foundation to ensure we can continue to create an enduring and positive impact on children’s health.”

Ms Keneally began her career in the For Purpose sector with a role as NSW Youth Coordinator for the Society of St Vincent de Paul when she first moved to Sydney from the United States and remains passionate about advocated for society’s most vulnerable. Throughout her life and career, Ms Keneally has ardently advocated for children and their families, particularly leading the conversation around stillborn births after losing her own daughter, Caroline. This loss became the driving force behind Ms Keneally’s fight to ensure that parents experiencing the same heartbreak were afforded more options and support.

“As I begin this new chapter in my professional life, I’m incredibly humbled by the opportunity I have been given. I don’t take this appointment lightly and coming to work each day now has an incredible new meaning. I’ve had the pleasure to meet some of the team and I understand what drives and motivates them, which brings greater purpose to my new position. I look forward to working together to drive change, offer new perspectives, champion innovation and achieve even greater things for sick kids and their families in NSW and beyond.”

Mrs Keneally was the first female Premier of NSW and served from December 2009 until March 2011. From May 2019, she served as Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, and Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship in the Albanese shadow cabinet before announcing her departure from politics in April 2022. In between government roles, Mrs Keneally was Chief Executive of Basketball Australia, a political commentator and television host at Sky News and Patron of Stillbirth Foundation Australia.

Kristina will assume her new responsibilities from today, Monday 7 November 2022.