Michele Smith

Michele is an accomplished Chief Executive and Non-Executive Director who has spent nearly 40 years working in the health sector. An experienced Consultant, Certified Chair™ and Registered Nurse, she was appointed to our board and then took on the Interim Group CEO role in 2024.

Prior to joining Ochre, she was CEO of the North Eastern Community Hospital in South Australia for nearly five years and, before that, CEO of SA Health’s Eyre and Far North Local Health Network for over ten years. Michele’s leadership in these positions has highlighted her ability to navigate complex health systems, drive organisational transformation and deliver high-quality healthcare services. They culminated in her receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2023 for services to medical administration. Her leadership style is marked by authenticity and a pragmatic and collaborative approach, ensuring sustainable, community-centric outcomes in complex healthcare and public policy environments.