New Chief Executive signals new era

New Chief Executive signals new era

Angela Francis has started as the new Chief Executive of the Asthma Foundation, replacing Jane Patterson.

Angela is keen to build on the legacy of the previous Chief Executive, as she leads the Foundation into a new era.

"We have so much good work behind us. We're using fresh ideas and applying the latest research and technology to provide the best advocacy and education for New Zealanders with respiratory conditions. These are the people whom we are here to serve.

"We're working hard and working smart. We are committed to alleviating the fear, pain and disadvantage that children with asthma face in their daily lives. The wheezing; the breathlessness; the days off school. The sudden, scary trips to hospital. Asthma is the leading reason for hospital admissions among New Zealand children. We're taking the fight against asthma to a new level. We're focusing on prevention and therefore we're asking New Zealanders to join us in keeping our kids out of hospital. This is a key message for Asthma Awareness Week (27 April to 3 May) and Balloon Day (29 April).

"We're also applying great energy to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which reduces the quality of life for thousands upon thousands of New Zealanders. COPD will put huge pressure on our hospitals over winter and we've got some fresh ideas about tackling it."

Angela's previous roles include deputy chief executive officer for the former Eastern Bay of Plenty PHO and, prior to that, planning manager at the Bay of Plenty DHB, and later portfolio manager.

Angela has worked in health her entire professional life and has extensive experience across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. She has an international Master's degree in education (public health focus) from the University of Southampton in the UK, a national post-graduate qualification in health management from Waikato University in New Zealand, and Prince 2 project management qualifications from Project Plus in New Zealand.

Although she's spent the past 10 years in the Bay of Plenty, Angela grew up in Auckland. Enjoying, as she does, jazz music, New Zealand art and film festival movies, Angela's delighted about the cultural and intellectual richness that Wellington offers and intends to make the most of it.

ends

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