After a highly competitive and comprehensive recruitment process, Animal Health Australia (AHA) has announced Dr Samantha Allan as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), marking a new era for the organisation.

Sharon Starick, Chair of the AHA Board has said this appointment comes at a pivotal time for AHA, as we seek to enhance our biosecurity prevention, preparedness and response capabilities.

“We look forward to welcoming the new leadership from Dr Allan and know that together with our members and the team at AHA she will work tirelessly to continue protecting our Australian livestock sector from the rising threat of incursions.

“Dr Allan has extensive experience in emergency animal disease response (EAD) activities – a skill set even more essential for AHA’s leadership, with EAD responses occurring more frequently and having larger impacts.

“Plus, her commitment to our members – listening, learning, advising and recognising their diverse needs has been impeccable,” Ms Starick said.

Dr Samantha Allan, AHA CEO said she was honoured to be appointed to the trusted national body dedicated to protecting Australia’s animal health and biosecurity system.

“It’s a tremendous privilege to work alongside the talented AHA team and our members to ensure that our livestock industries can continue to produce world-class food and fibre.

“The biosecurity space has never faced more challenges, with the current avian influenza outbreak an example of the increased biosecurity threats we face. However, it also shows the power of collaboration – with our industry and government members working together to manage the outbreak effectively and promptly.

“There has never been a more complex time for biosecurity in the modern Australian agricultural landscape.

“With the highly skilled team at AHA and the depth of knowledge and insights from our members, I’m looking forward to leading AHA into this new period, building on our mission to deliver solutions that enhance, strengthen and protect animal health and the biosecurity system.” Dr Allan said.

Dr Allan has been acting AHA CEO for 10 months and was in her previous role as AHA General Manager of Emergency Preparedness, Animal Health and Biosecurity for five years.