ACN appoints experienced nursing leader as new CEO

The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) appointed its new CEO, recruiting the experienced South Australian, Dr Kathryn Zeitz. 

Dr Zeitz’s appointment ends a relatively tumultuous period for the organisation following the abrupt termination of its previous CEO Kylie Ward in May.

Ms Ward, alongside former National Director, Partnerships Karoline Dawe and Chief Operating Officer Neil Haynes, were at the centre of an investigation related to financial irregularities at ACN. 

Ms Ward and Ms Dawe were terminated while Mr Haynes left the role on his own accord. Separate statements by Ms Ward and Mr Haynes saw them deny all allegations.

Bringing in Dr Zeitz offers a much-needed fresh start for the organisation. She is the current Deputy CEO of the Central Adelaide Local Health Network, where she has led the Clinical Governance portfolio since 2019.

A brief stint as Interim CEO in 2023 highlighted her full potential at the top.

“Kathryn’s strategic insight and practical leadership have not only provided much need stability in a time of transition but have positioned us for continued success,” Central Adelaide Local Health Network said.

Central Adelaide Local Health Network is South Australia’s largest network, incorporating the Royal Adelaide Hospital and The Queen Elizabeth Hospital. 

Dr Zeitz is also a Board Director at St John Ambulance Australia and has previously been on the board of South Australian aged care and retirement living provider, Eldercare. 

With over a decade’s worth of experience at SA Health, an interstate stint with St Vincent’s Health Network in Sydney and Chair roles at BreastScreen SA and Variety the Children’s Charity, her extensive leadership knowledge provides a steady foundation for ACN.

“Her commitment to patient-centred care is evident through her leadership in organisational development and service improvement programs that actively incorporate stakeholder engagement,” ACN said via a statement.

Workforce strategy is likely to be at the forefront of Dr Zeitz’s mind when she takes up the role with ACN recently backing the Nursing Supply and Demand Study 2023-2035 and its findings. 

Emeritus Professor Leanne Boyd, Interim ACN CEO, said the study reflects ACN’s concerns about the nursing and broader health workforce.

“The solution is to make better use of nurses at their full scope of practice to provide people with the right care in the right place at the right time, throughout all stages of life,” Professor Boyd said.

“Nurses are often the most qualified health professional living and working in many communities, especially in rural and remote areas. In some communities, a nurse is the only health professional.

“A coordinated strategy – maximising the potential of existing Federal and State and Territory programs and initiatives – is needed to keep nurses in nursing, educate more nurses, and attract nurses back into the profession. Nurses must be at the centre of health policy for the long term. 

“Investing in nurses is a wise decision for all governments.”

Professor Boyd will continue as Interim CEO with Dr Zeitz slated to commence at ACN in late September 2024.