PSA names new CEO

The PSA board has appointed health care advocate and health policy expert Mark Kinsela as its new Chief Executive Officer. 

Mr Kinsela was appointed after an extensive search and will begin his new role on 2 December.

PSA National President Associate Professor Chris Freeman said Mr Kinsela brings a wealth of experience to the organisation.

Mr Kinsela was most recently Chief of Staff at the Australian Digital Health Agency. He has also been an adviser to the Commonwealth Minister for Health and the Minister for Social Services and Aged Care and has experience as a clinical nurse educator and trauma intensive care specialist.

‘Mark’s career has taken in all aspects of health care, from delivery through to policy,’ A/Prof Freeman said.

‘It has given him an exceptional level of expertise and insight into the challenges facing Australia’s health care systems and potential solutions, such as innovation and multidisciplinary care.’

Mr Kinsela said today he was delighted to be appointed as the next CEO of the PSA.

‘Pharmacists are the custodians of medicine safety – vital in every care team and to the community. I’m excited to be able to use my experience in the Australian health care system to ensure pharmacists can work to their fullest potential in clinical practice and across the community,’ he said.

‘Over the last few years, the PSA has gone from strength to strength under the leadership and dedication of Dr Shane Jackson, A/Prof Chris Freeman and its Board and Executive.

‘It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to lead a visionary organisation representing one of the most trusted professions in Australia. I look forward to listening to pharmacists and serving their needs when I take up the role in December 2019.’

A/Prof Freeman said Mr Kinsela will continue PSA’s focus on the vital role of pharmacists in providing quality, safe and effective care to all Australians.  

‘We believe Mark’s training as a health care provider and executive MBA, combined with his impressive professional background, will help PSA continue to ensure our profession has the opportunity to positively contribute to policy making at the highest levels and achieve the goals outlined in our Pharmacists in 2023 vision,’ he said.

Health sector stakeholders have welcomed Mr Kinsela’s appointment with NPS MedicineWise, Painaustralia, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia, each stating they look forward to working together with the incoming CEO to support pharmacists and the health of Australians.

A/prof Freeman thanked interim CEO Dr Shane Jackson for leading PSA during its CEO search. 

Dr Jackson was previously PSA President and will continue to lead PSA’s negotiations of the 7th Community Pharmacy Agreement.