Executive Team

Craig Carey

Chief Executive

Craig commenced in the position of Chief Executive at North West HHS in November 2021.

Craig has significant public health and chronic disease experience, gained while working with the Queensland Health Chief Health Officer. He has also worked as a Director in the Healthcare Purchasing and System Performance Division in the Department of Health. Craig has previously undertaken the role of A/CE in both Central West and South West HHS.

Craig has qualifications in Psychology, Health Management and Policy Analysis and recently completed the AICD Director’s course and has a deep understanding of the Queensland Health service delivery and funding arrangements.

Craig is looking forward to delivering high quality and safe services for the people of the North West.

Sean Birgan

Chief Operating Officer (Acting)

Sean commenced in the Acting Chief Operating Officer role in July 2022. He brings over 38 years of nursing experience, including 20 years in senior leadership and management roles. Recently Sean worked as the Health Department COVID-19 System Response Lead coordinating the state's COVID-19 operational response.

Sean holds post graduate qualifications in Critical Care Nursing and Masters in Health Management and is currently an executive member of the Queensland Clinical Senate.

Sean has a keen interest in the development of staff into leadership roles and the promotion of new models of care. He also has a keen interest in disaster management and preparedness. Sean provides ongoing support to Indonesian nurses and health executives working in Bali as part of the Bali Memorial Package. This role incorporates assisting in the improvement of health services in Bali and developing the leadership and management skills of Balinese healthcare workers. 

Sean is enjoying the challenges and opportunities of working in a remote environment at North West HHS.

Michelle Garner

Executive Director Nursing, Midwifery and Clinical Governance

Michelle has held the position of Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery since 2008, and with the 2017 executive tier restructure, her title was changed to Executive Director Nursing, Midwifery and Clinical Governance. The Executive Director Nursing, Midwifery and Clinical Governance is the professional lead for nursing and midwifery services and is accountable for the nursing and midwifery workforce and governance and education within the North West HHS.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Nursing, Graduate Diploma in Advanced Critical Care Nursing, and a Masters of Nurse Practitioner. Michelle is an Adjunct Associate Professor with James Cook University and the Mount Isa Centre for Rural and Remote Health. She is a member of the Queensland Executive Directors of Nursing and Midwifery Forum, Queensland Nursing and Midwifery Executive Council, Nursing and Midwifery Implementation Group and the Queensland Clinical Senate.

Michelle is also the state lead for current Queensland Government Election Commitment for 3,000 Nurses.

Christine Mann

Executive Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health

Christine was awarded the role of Executive Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health in July 2019 and was previously the Director of Cultural Capability and Engagement.

The Executive Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health is a new Executive Management position created to help transform services to improve the health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Christine is a Woppaburra woman who has spent most of her life living in Mount Isa and holds a Bachelor of Social Work and Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management. Her social work background led to working in several positions in Queensland, interstate and overseas in the area of child protection, the private sector and health. She is also an Adjunct Associate Professor, clinical and professional, with the Centre for Rural and Remote Health.

Sylvie Brdjanovic

Executive Director People, Culture and Planning (Acting)

Dr Theodore (Ted) Chamberlain

Executive Director Medical Services (Acting)

Jessie Henderson

Chief Finance Officer (Acting)