Epilepsy Action Australia chief executive and managing director Carol Ireland has been named the new chair of Medicinal Cannabis Industry Australia (MCIA).
She replaces Peter Koetsier who stepped down last month.
Ireland was elected to lead the association “over the coming months” during a board meeting which also confirmed the expansion of the board to nine members.
A spokesperson said Ireland, founder of the Medical Cannabis Council which merged with MCIA in 2020, was ideally placed to lead the organisation as it develops and beds down a new strategic direction “over the coming months”.
“With her exceptional governance and leadership skills, and extensive experience with MCIA, Carol is well positioned to steer the board through this pivotal phase of strategic planning and development,” the spokesperson said.
“Carol has been at the forefront of the medicinal cannabis movement in Australia. She has had significant contact with people faced with managing very challenging forms of medication-resistant epilepsy, with few or no conventional options left, and she is well known to many in the industry.”
The MCIA board will engage with key stakeholders in formulating a new plan, and will “consider the structure and resourcing of the organisation to ensure it can achieve its objectives”.
“The board affirms its commitment to representing the mutual interests of members and stakeholders to build a professional industry based on legitimacy, credibility, and recognition for the Australia sector in domestic and international arenas,” the spokesperson said.
The full board is Ean Alexander (Altum), Matt Cantelo (ANTG), Geoff Cockerill (Vitura), Peter Crock (Independent), Justin Howden (Corporate Affairs Advisory), Carol Ireland (Epilepsy Action Australia), Phoebe Macleod (Heyday Medical), Jo Patterson (BOD Science) and Kristin Viccars (MedReleaf Australia).
