The Board of the VCCC Alliance is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Sanchia Aranda AM, as Chair of the Board, effective 1 July, 2023.
As the VCCC Alliance enters a new phase of growth and development, with changes in governance afoot and a new strategic plan in train, Professor Aranda’s 40 years of experience in cancer control will be an invaluable asset.
Having held the role of Deputy Chair of the VCCC Alliance since August 2021, Professor Aranda takes the reins from Emeritus Professor Linda Kristjanson AO, who steps down from her six-year tenure at the end of this week.
Professor Aranda’s long list of achievements and experience include five years as CEO of Cancer Council Australia; two years as President of the Union for International Cancer Control - serving on the Board for eight years, and 16 years on the board of the International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care, including four as president. She is the inaugural Board Chair for the City Cancer Challenge Foundation and served on the Advisory Council for Cancer Australia for eight years until 2015.
Professor Aranda said her decision to step into the role of Chair was motivated by a critical opportunity to bring greater levels of collaboration across Victoria and through this, achieve improved cancer outcomes, especially for those who are most disadvantaged.
“My background across the spectrum of cancer control aligns well with the VCCC Alliance strategic agenda providing an opportunity for me to support the leadership team, and our members, to achieve our strategic objectives,” she said.
“The VCCC Alliance is unique in Australia. The partnerships that exist between our members represents a level of unity that is making a real difference to the cancer landscape, and we are starting to see that translate to better outcomes."
"I am excited to work with our current members and those yet to come, to really make Victoria the best place in the world to receive cancer treatment and care.”
Professor Grant McArthur AO, Executive Director of the VCCC Alliance said that Professor Aranda’s appointment to the role of Chair is an important progression for the alliance.
“Sanchia’s appointment to this critical role is very exciting for the alliance and the wider cancer community. She has an exemplary track record of fostering and applying collaborative leadership at an international level and a deep interest in improving equity in cancer care. I look forward to working with her to guide the alliance through the next phase of growth and development, as we strive to ensure better outcomes for all Victorians affected by cancer,” he said.
The Chair works with the Board to set the vision, strategy and direction of the organisation; take overall oversight of the performance and delivery of key policy priorities and ensure the ongoing financial viability of the organisation.
The appointment of Professor Aranda as the Independent Chair of the VCCC Alliance board was made by Victorian Minister for Health, The Hon Mary-Anne Thomas MP. Recruitment for a new Deputy Chair is currently underway.
