Carol Ireland, chief executive and managing director of Epilepsy Action Australia, has been appointed the new chair of Medicinal Cannabis Industry Australia (MCIA).
She succeeds Peter Koetsier, who departed the role last month.
Ireland was elected to the position during a board meeting that also approved expanding the board to nine members. She is expected to lead the association through a period of strategic renewal over the months ahead.
A spokesperson said Ireland, who founded the Medical Cannabis Council before it merged with MCIA in 2020, is well suited to guide the organisation as it shapes and embeds a new strategic direction.
“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 intends to consult with key stakeholders while developing the 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 comprises 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).
