New VicHealth CEO appointed

30 August 2011

Health Minister David Davis has announced the appointment of Jerril Rechter as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth).

“Following a national and international search for a CEO for VicHealth, I am pleased to announce that Jerril Rechter, currently Executive Director of Leadership Victoria, has been appointed the new CEO of VicHealth, and will take up the role in October,” Minister Davis said.

“Ms Rechter is an exceptional choice to become VicHealth’s fourth CEO and to replace Todd Harper, who took up the position of CEO of the Cancer Council Victoria in April this year,” Mr Davis said.

Ms Rechter’s strong leadership skills, commitment to health promotion, and background in a wide range of areas including leadership development, education, and community development make her a great appointment to this critical role for health promotion in Victoria.

“In 2009, she became the Executive Director of Leadership Victoria and has led the organisation through the development and implementation of its strategic plan, new programs, and has driven the innovation agenda of the organisation. She is an exciting and dynamic person to lead Victoria’s world leading health promotion body, VicHealth,” Mr Davis said.

Ms Rechter has a degree in education, dance and theatre, and a masters degree in business leadership. Her many awards include Tasmania Day Award, Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellow, Harvard Club of Australia Fellow, Australia Council Fellow and a Centenary Medal.

Prior to taking up her role at Leadership Victoria, Ms Rechter was CEO of Footscray Community Arts Centre. This followed her work in various positions including Artistic Associate for the Melbourne International Arts Festival, and CEO/Founder of Stompin Youth Dance Company.

Ms Rechter has shown her commitment to VicHealth through over six years as a member of its board.