Think of three people close to you. One of them is likely to be affected by lung disease in their lifetime. There are over 30 different types of lung disease currently impacting one in four men, women and children across Australia. Lung disease and lung cancer are our nation’s second leading cause of death, yet they receive very little publicity, funding, research or support. There is currently no cure for the majority of lung diseases and the impact on the lives of those affected is devastating. This is only intensified by the unfair stigma associated with lung disease which contributes to significant delays in diagnosis and inadequate access to treatment and care. Lung disease is one of the highest health burdens in our country. More needs to be done. It’s time for tackling lung disease to be a national health priority.
About us
Lung Foundation Australia is the only charity and leading peak body of its kind in Australia that funds life-changing research and delivers support services that give hope to people living with lung disease or lung cancer. Since 1990, we have been working to ensure lung health is a priority for all, from promoting lung health and early diagnosis, advocating for policy change and research investment, raising awareness about the symptoms and prevalence of lung disease and championing equitable access to treatment and care.
Our team
Mark Brooke Chief Executive Officer
Mark Brooke has over 25 years of executive experience leading a diverse range of organisations in the not-for-profit and for purpose sectors, including inaugural CEO of HeartKids Limited, CEO of Asthma Australia, CEO of Playgroup Queensland and leadership roles at Police Citizens Youth Clubs in both Queensland and New South Wales. He is focused on leading client-centric and sustainable charities that are closely connected to the communities they serve. Mark believes that the best way for organisations to achieve impact for their clients is to apply sound commercial principles, to ensure a reliable revenue stream and good governance. His success is built on the collaborative development of a high level strategy for an organisation, which has enabled him to effectively address structural and historical inefficiencies. Mark has qualifications in business and strives to lead by empowering excellence in his staff and by harnessing the community’s energy and support behind a united vision.
Email: markb@lungfoundation.com.au Phone: 0417 076 090
Christa Bayer General Manager – Development
Christa joined Lung Foundation Australia in January 2020, initially leading the fundraising team and now leading the strategy across fundraising and marketing, supporting organisations growth strategy and mission.Christa is an experienced senior leader specialising in NFP strategy, management, fundraising and philanthropy. Prior to joining LFA she held senior roles with Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), Allergy and Immunology Foundation of Australasia and Perpetual Private’s Community and Social Investments as well as numerous roles across the commercial sector in both Australia and Canada. Christa holds a Master of Arts in Communication and is a member of both the Fundraising Institute of Australia and the AICD.
Email: christab@lungfoundation.com.au
Harry Patsamanis General Manager – Consumer Programs and Partnerships
Harry Patsamanis is an executive with over 30 years experience working across the health system with extensive knowledge in chronic and complex care with COPD being a key focus. Harry has a passion for solving complex problems, using consumer informed design to develop new models of care that transform the way care is delivered and integrated to improve the consumer experience and provide outcomes that matter to people. He brings a wealth of experience to LFA from his eight years or work at Heart Foundation Australia. A co-author on 13 peer reviewed publications, Harry has held multiple advisory roles at a state level to inform policy development and state-wide planning. Most recently working as an executive within a primary health network he managed a diverse range of portfolios *Mental Health *Chronic and Complex Care *Digital Health *Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing *Primary and Acute/Specialist Care Integration and *COVID pandemic management. Harry holds a science degree and post graduate qualifications in diabetes management and comprehensive professional development as an engaging and passionate leader
Email: harryp@lungfoundation.com.au
Kelcie Herrmann General Manager – Clinical Programs, Research & Innovation
Kelcie joined Lung Foundation Australia in 2018 as General Manager of COPD. Ther role as General Manager Clinical Programs, Research & Innovation oversees the Foundation’s health professional and research facing initiatives, including clinical practice guidelines, health professional learning and the Hope Research Program. Kelcie has held senior management and leadership positions within the NFP sector for the past holds a Bachelor of Speech Pathology.
Email: kelcieh@lungfoundation.com.au
Paige Preston General Manager – Policy, Advocacy & Prevention Programs
As General Manager, Policy, Advocacy and Prevention, Paige is responsible for leading the strategic advocacy efforts for the organisation to guide policy decision-making and improve the outcomes for Australians living with, or at risk of, lung disease. Her teams’ focus is on the prevention and early detection of lung disease, while continuing to strongly advocate for equitable access to services, support, and research investment. Paige holds a Master of Public Health and a Bachelor of Health Sciences from the University of Queensland. She has held several roles across the NGO sector, including previous work in health promotion programs, policy, advocacy and research. Paige holds an adjunct position at the University of Queensland, as well as volunteer roles with the Public Health Association of Australia as Board member and Queensland Branch President.
Email: paigep@lungfoundation.com.au
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