The Board of the VCCC Alliance is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Sanchia Aranda AM, as the new Deputy Chair of the alliance.
As the VCCC Alliance prepares to roll out an ambitious new three-year Strategic Program Plan, Professor Aranda’s 40 years of experience in cancer control will be an invaluable asset.
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 also holds a part-time appointment as a Professor of Health Services Research at The University of Melbourne and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
‘We are delighted that Professor Aranda has been appointed Deputy Chair of the VCCC Alliance,’ said Professor Linda Kristjanson AO, VCCC Alliance Chairperson. ‘Sanchia’s experience and insights in cancer control from local, national and international perspectives will be especially valuable as we chart the next exciting chapter for the alliance.’
‘Professor Aranda brings a deep passion to cancer care, a longstanding commitment to support people affected by cancer, and a determination to improve outcomes through system level changes.’
Professor Kristjanson acknowledged the exceptional contributions of outgoing Deputy Chair, Professor Bob Thomas AM, stating, ‘The VCCC has benefitted enormously from the wisdom and experience of Professor Thomas over many years including five as Deputy Chair and we thank him for his exceptional service to the VCCC and the cancer community.’
Professor Aranda said she is looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to the VCCC Alliance’s efforts to drive system change and address the big challenges.
‘I have seen how genuine, effective collaborations can impact cancer control at an international level.’
‘I am focused on how data-informed strategy and policy can really help make inroads to improve the value of cancer services. An alliance structure offers huge potential to scale up innovations so many more people affected by cancer can benefit, now and in the future.’
Professor Grant McArthur, Executive Director of the VCCC Alliance said that Professor Aranda’s appointment to the role of Deputy Chair is a coup for collaboration.
‘Sanchia’s appointment is terrific news for the alliance and the wider cancer community in Victoria and beyond. 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.
‘This aligns strongly with the VCCC Alliance vision, mission and our priorities for the future. As we grow and mature as an organisation, I am extremely excited about what we will achieve with such strong leadership to complement the momentum we already have.’
The appointment of Professor Aranda as the independent Deputy Chair of the VCCC Alliance board was made by Victorian Minister for Health, The Hon Martin Foley MP. The Deputy Chair works with Chair and 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.
Avalee Weir
VCCC Alliance Head of Communications and Community
e. [email protected]
m. 0416 130033
