Chair steps down after more than a decade of life-saving work

Ovarian Cancer Australia, the leading national body for ovarian cancer in Australia, has today announced Paula Benson, Chair of its Board of Directors, will hand over the reins after eight years of service.

A valued member of the organisation, Ms Benson first joined the Board of Directors in 2007 and has held the position of Chair from 2010.

CEO of Ovarian Cancer Australia Jane Hill said Ms Benson’s contribution to the organisation was nothing short of extraordinary.

“Paula’s incredible passion has played an instrumental role in driving real change for Australians impacted by ovarian cancer,” Ms Hill said.

“For more than a decade, Paula has devoted all her time outside of her family and professional commitments to working towards achieving Ovarian Cancer Australia’s vision to save lives and support women.

“Paula led the development of the organisation’s National Action Plan for Ovarian Cancer Research and 25/25 vision to reduce the incidence of ovarian cancer and improve the survival rates by 25 per cent by 2025.

“She has represented OCA and consumers on gynaecological sector committees, helped to raise awareness of ovarian cancer by sharing her story, provided stewardship of strategy and risk, made a substantial contribution to public affairs, media and communications and brand, and overseen significant and sustainable financial and organisational growth.

“We are extremely fortunate to have had someone of Paula’s calibre lead our organisation for such a substantial period of time. Her efforts will see our organisation prosper long into the future,” Ms Hill concluded.

Ms Benson, an ovarian cancer survivor herself and the 2017 recipient of the “Jeannie Ferris Cancer Australia Recognition Award” for her outstanding contribution to improving outcomes for women with gynaecological cancers, joined the Board of Directors four years after she was diagnosed.

“I feel very fortunate that my cancer was caught early and I have been able to use my skills and experience to make a contribution to Ovarian Cancer Australia,” Ms Benson said.

“I am proud of the exceptional work the Board has done in supporting and advocating for women and their families who have been impacted by ovarian cancer, the leadership role we have played in raising awareness of the disease, and setting the research agenda as well as funding high impact research.

“Being involved in raising funds and volunteering for this organisation has given me enormous personal satisfaction and a sense of real achievement as we have grown from a small grassroots community organisation to the leading organisation for ovarian cancer in Australia.

“However, after 11 years on the Board it is time for a new team of dynamic Directors to lead Ovarian Cancer Australia into the future.

“I have no doubt that one of my greatest legacies will be recruiting the outstanding individuals who joined our Board earlier this year including: Bain & Co Partner Marco D’Avino; Non-Executive Director Marina Go; UNSW Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Jacobs; Australian Twitter MD Suzy Nicoletti; and Deloitte Partner Meghan Speers. They join existing directors leading executive search specialist Tracey Curro and digital start up expert Jo- Ann Hicks,” Ms Benson said.

Ms Benson will continue to support the work of the Board by leading a new committee, with Professor Ian Jacobs, to continue to drive Ovarian Cancer Australia’s work in research & advocacy.

Ovarian Cancer Australia has announced that Ms Marina Go will replace Ms Benson as Chair.

“I’m absolutely delighted that Marina is succeeding me as Chair and I am certain that her impressive experience and passion for this cause will see Ovarian Cancer Australia succeed well into the future,” Ms Benson added.

Marina was appointed to the Board of Ovarian Cancer Australia in 2018 and brings with her significant experience in governing and leading organisations, innovating in disrupted sectors and providing expert guidance around media and consumers.

She is a leader in the media and publishing industry, and named by Boss Magazine as one of the 20 True Leaders of 2016, Marina is Chair of the Wests Tigers NRL Club, Chair of Office Brands, a Non-Executive Director of Energy Australia, Autosports Group, 7-Eleven and The Walkley Foundation, Chair of the Advisory Board of the Centre for Media Transition at the University of Technology Sydney, and author of the business book for women, Break Through: 20 Success Strategies for Female Leaders.

A mother of two sons, Marina has a personal connection to ovarian cancer. Her husband carries the BRCA1 gene mutation, the likely reason behind why many of the women on her husband’s side of the family, including Ovarian Cancer Australia founder Lynda Gibson, developed ovarian cancer.

“I’m absolutely committed to Ovarian Cancer Australia’s vision to save lives and ensure no woman with ovarian cancer walks alone as well as our ambitious goal to reduce the incidence of ovarian cancer and improve the disease’s survival rate by 25 per cent by 2025,” Ms Go said.

“I look forward to embracing the challenges of my new role,” she said.