Our longstanding Chair of the Queensland Country Health Fund Board, Michael Beard has stepped down from the Chair position and Karen Read has been appointed to the role.
Ms Read brings a depth of business acumen and leadership capability to the organisation, with almost three decades of experience in finance and commercial roles in the mining industry, and 20 years serving on various boards. She has served on the Queensland Country Health Fund Board since 2005, most recently as Deputy Chair, and is a current Director on the Queensland Country Bank, Mount Isa Water, and North West Hospital and Health Services Boards.
“Over the years, I have been working towards transitioning my career into the non-executive director space as I enjoy both the challenge and opportunity to contribute to the success of organisations I believe in,” she says.
“I’m a North Queenslander with strong ties to Mount Isa, and I’ve always worked for organisations very much committed to the communities in which they operate in, so Queensland Country’s values really align with my own and I believe in our purpose to deliver better health outcomes for all people in Queensland and the Northern Territory.”
Queensland Country Health Fund Executive Manager, Glenn Seri, acknowledged the contribution outgoing Chair Michael Beard has made during his 19 years with the organisation, including a significant period of growth under his Chairmanship since 2006.
“Since Michael has been the Chairperson, Queensland Country Health Fund has expanded to include three dental practices, a Care Navigation team, the launch of the Territory Health Fund and the construction of our head office based in Townsville.
“Karen has been by Michael’s side as Deputy Chair throughout this growth period and she and the Board are poised to take advantage of this wonderful base to better serve our Members.”
“Michael has helped shape the Health Fund into what it has become today and he leaves the organisation in safe hands with Karen to continue the exceptional Member focus that is a hall mark of Queensland Country Health Fund.”
Weremain one of the most well capitalised Health Funds in the industry, achieving above industry growth during the first quarter of the financial year despite some financial implications of Covid-19. Ms Read says we will remain proactive to build on the foundations laid before them.
“While we’re very pleased with how Queensland Country Health Fund fared throughout the pandemic and our results for the first quarter, we will continue to proactively work to maintain our value position in the market and continue to provide better benefits to policy holders,” says Ms Read.
“It’s a challenging environment, but along with the Board and Executive Team, we’ll work with government and industry bodies to ensure our premiums offer affordable and value driven private health insurance for Queenslanders.
“We want Queensland Country to be the most valued health fund in Queensland and the Northern Territory, where we put people before profits. We do this by continuing to highlight the importance of health insurance, ensuring we have competitive products and outstanding customer service, all enabling our people to live better healthier lives. “
“It has been wonderful working alongside Michael as his deputy during his tenure as Chair. I am grateful he will remain on the Board until the next AGM to ensure a smooth transition, and I look forward to working closely with Greg Nucifora as he steps into the role as Deputy Chair.”