Zena Burgess

Dynamic leader with extensive experience in clinical trial management and stakeholder engagement, notably as CEO of RACGP. Proven track record in advancing evidence-based policy and governance frameworks, driving impactful initiatives in mental health and patient advocacy. Committed to fostering professional networks and enhancing strategic partnerships for sustainable outcomes.

• Health Connect working group
• Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance
• International Congress of Psychology
• Professionals Allied Health reference Group (AHPRA committee Chair)

• 2024, Governance for Social Impact (JBWERE)
• 2023, Boardroom Mastery (AICD)
• 2019, Boardroom Governance refresher (AICD)
• 2023, Building and Maintaining Strategic Partnerships (INSEAD)
• 2018, Digital Disruption (Columbia Business School NY)
• 2010, Role of Chair and CEO (AICD)
• 2009, Board Governance (AICD)

• Australian Psychological Society, CEO, 01/01/20, current, The APS is the largest mental health peak organization in Australia representing 28,000 psychologists nationally. It has a workforce of 80 professional staff and a volunteer workforce of 850 psychologists.
• RACGP, CEO, 01/01/08, 01/01/19, RACGP represents GPs in primary care. In 2019 the membership was 55,000 and was a vibrant NFP.

Available on request

• Diabetes Australia, Member of FIAC, Member of investment committee, Member of governance review working group, 01/01/21, 01/01/23
• Mind Bio Therapeutics, Research company conducting clinical trials in the medicinal use of psychedelic medicine to treat mental health in persons who have chronic conditions., 01/01/21, current
• Bully Zero, Deputy Chair, 01/01/20, current
• Mental Health Professionals Association, Board responsibilities for a government contract to deliver professional networks., 01/01/20, current
• Australian Patients Association, Patron, 01/01/19, 01/01/21
• GPMHSC (General Practice Mental Health Collaborative committee), Member, 01/01/20, current

A non-executive director and CEO with experience across the public, private and social enterprise sectors in health, education, emergency services, regulatory bodies, and agriculture. In these roles, I evidenced strategic planning, financial acumen, risk assessment and management, successful business development and expansion. Each role included providing strategic advice in relation to advocacy at Federal, State ministerial and department levels.