The Australasian College of Pharmacy has appointed Melanie Hunt as its new Chief Executive Officer.
College President, Michelle Bou-Samra, welcomed Ms Hunt and said: “We are thrilled to have Melanie take the lead as the college embarks on an exciting new era and builds on our existing offerings in professional development and training for the pharmacy industry.”
Ms Hunt joins the college with more than 20 years of experience in regulated training industries.
Most recently, she held the position of Chief Operating Officer for General Practice Training Queensland, where she led the transition of staff, systems and processes of the Australian General Practice Training program.
The National President of the Pharmacy Guild, Trent Twomey, said Ms Hunt brought to the college wide-ranging and relevant experience at an extremely important time for the college and for the whole of the pharmacy profession.
“The profession is undergoing evolutionary changes and the college is leading the way in providing training and education to ensure the pharmacy sector is equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities that these changes present,” Professor Twomey said.
“Ms Hunt brings to the college experience across training organisations, strategy implementation and business change management at this important time.
“Her input and contribution will further cement the college’s position as the pre-eminent provider of pharmacy education and training in Australia.
“In addition, her valuable expertise in embedding a member-centric culture will underpin the college’s commitment to the professional development of those in the sector as they progress throughout their pharmacy career.”
The Executive Director of the Pharmacy Guild, Suzanne Greenwood, said Ms Hunt’s appointment was an important step in further consolidating the college’s reputation for the delivery of the highest-quality and most-relevant learning opportunities.
“There is a lot happening in the profession at the moment and one of the great strengths of the college is its ability to keep its fingers on the pulse of developments and to translate this skill into the provision of services that are highly valued by its members,” Ms Greenwood said.
“Ms Hunt’s appointment will certainly add strength to the college’s already widely recognised leadership in its field.”
Ms Bou-Samra thanked Mr Mark Lock who stepped in as the College’s interim CEO for the past 12 months “during a period of extensive change and growth.
“His achievements also include the implementation of a new IT system, growth in CPD enrolments, the medication management review training course for accredited pharmacists and leading the College towards full scope of practice initiatives.
“We wish Mark all the best for his future endeavours.”
