Board of Directors
Dr Jennifer James
Board Chair
Current Term of Appointment:
1/7/2021 - 30/6/2027
Professional Background:
Bringing extensive experience in clinical care, governance and health professional education to the CMH Board, Dr James’ career has spanned senior roles as a clinical nurse consultant and lecturer in nursing and midwifery. She has also served as a director on two national health profession boards and contributed as a community advisor on a federal health advisory panel.
Dr James has a strong commitment to rural communities, having lived in the Western District for many years, including in Lismore, Skipton, Ballarat and now Casterton. Determined to use her skills and experience to support local health and wellbeing, she joined the CMH Board in 2021 and is currently serving her second term.
Mr Greg Hart
Vice Chair
Current Term of Appointment:
1/7/2019 - 30/6/2028
Professional Background:
Greg brings strong financial and corporate expertise to the CMH Board, following a career that includes serving as ANZ General Manager and local director of a US-based multinational company. He now operates a finance broking business in Mount Gambier.
Having lived in the region for over 17 years, Greg and his family have strong ties to the Casterton community. His wife works across the South West with the Department of Education, and Greg served on the Casterton Kelpie Association Committee for five years. He was invited to join the CMH Board in 2019 and viewed it as a meaningful opportunity to give back to the community. His commercial insight and lived experience in the Western District continue to inform his contribution to the organisation’s financial sustainability and governance.
Dr Lucy Cuddihy
Director
Current Term of Appointment:
1/7/2021 - 30/6/2027
Professional Background:
Dr Cuddihy is a senior nursing and health leader with more than four decades of experience in clinical care, workforce development, and health service management. Her 15-year tenure as Chief Nurse and Midwifery Officer at Barwon Health helped shape regional collaboration across the Barwon South West region (which includes 9 municipalities expanding from the Queenscliff Borough and Greater Geelong Area to the Glenelg Shire next to the South Australian border), including joint initiatives and committees with Casterton Memorial Hospital’s Director of Nursing Services, Mary-Anne Betson.
Now coming into her fourth year on the CMH Board, Dr Cuddihy brings great insight into the systemic and workforce challenges faced by rural health services. Her appointment followed retirement from executive practice, driven by a desire to continue contributing to high-quality, locally responsive care in Victoria’s Western District.
Mr Nicholas Jackson
Director
Current Term of Appointment:
1/7/2021 - 30/6/2027
Professional Background:
Nick is a senior advisor and company director with extensive experience in aged care governance, including long-standing roles as a consultant and as chair of an industry board. Nick was also formerly the director of a global management consulting firm. His work has supported senior executives and boards across different sectors, and has spanned Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the Middle East.
He has advised state health departments in Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia, giving him valuable insight into government policy settings and strategic priorities. Nick joined the CMH Board in 2021 due to his strong interest in supporting the governance and sustainability of rural health services in Victoria. His experience in the public sector enhances the Board’s ability to plan effectively within a dynamic policy environment to ensure CMH continues to meet the evolving needs of its community.
Ms Jessica McIntosh
Director
Current Term of Appointment:
1/7/2023 - 30/6/2026
Professional Background:
Raised in Terang and now proudly part of the Casterton community, Jess brings a deep commitment to healthcare, social justice and community wellbeing to the CMH Board. Her background spans nursing, business management, administration and work in the Traditional Owners space, offering a multifaceted and practical perspective to Board discussions. Since relocating in 2021, she has become an active member of local life, balancing professional work with community engagement, volunteering and co-running her family-owned business in town.
Jess’ decision to join the CMH Board was driven by a passion for health equity, a belief in the power of effective governance and a desire to give back to her community, with a particular focus on mental health and inclusion. She brings strengths in grant writing, organisational leadership and fostering positive workplace culture. As a healthcare professional with experience engaging across boards, government and the community, Jess supports the delivery of accessible, compassionate care and helps guide our Board’s commitment to inclusive and responsive services for Casterton and surrounding areas.
Mr Jarrod Cox
Director
Current Term of Appointment:
1/7/2023 - 30/6/2026
Professional Background:
After years living in remote South Australia – where accessing basic healthcare often meant travelling over 400Km – Jarrod developed a commitment to improving health services for people in rural communities. This lived experience reinforced a belief that everyone, no matter where they live, deserves reliable care close to home.
In 2020, Jarrod and his wife moved to Mount Gambier during the COVID-19 pandemic to be closer to family, many of whom are based in and around the Casterton district. These strong local ties, combined with a passion for regional advocacy, inspired him to join the CMH Board. He is driven by a desire to give small communities a voice and to help shape a future where equitable, accessible healthcare is the standard, not the exception.
Ms Kelly Griffiths
Director
Current Term of Appointment:
1/7/2024 - 30/6/2027
Professional Background:
A passionate advocate for equitable healthcare, Kelly brings over a decade of board experience and a strong background in legal, policy and governance roles across the health and life sciences sectors. In addition to her role at Gadens, she contributes to the health sector at large through ministerial appointments to the Advisory Council of the Victorian Health Complaints Commissioner and the CFA Presumptive Rights Advisory Council, as well as membership of the Human Research Ethics Committee at the Royal Children’s Hospital and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.
Driven by a belief that Australians living in regional and rural areas deserve equal access to both healthcare and emerging treatments, Kelly joined the CMH Board in 2024. While relatively new to the role, she has enjoyed spending time in Casterton — connecting with staff, experiencing the town and exploring the local Kelpie Trail. Kelly’s goal is to support CMH through her knowledge of legal compliance, governance, policy and health access, and to help the organisation remain a strong, community-led health service into the future.
Ms Jodie Cranham
Director
Current Term of Appointment:
1/7/2025 - 30/6/2028
Professional Background:
Jodie brings a deep understanding of regional and rural service delivery to the CMH Board, backed by more than 25 years of health sector leadership and governance experience. Her executive roles have included Interim CEO of a rural health service and Executive Director of Aged Care, where she was responsible for more than 600 residential aged care beds and 65 subacute beds. She has led multidisciplinary teams through major service transformations, accreditations and critical incidents, including COVID-19 responses. Her governance experience includes serving as non-executive director on a rural health board, contributing to strategic planning, risk oversight and meaningful community engagement.
Raised in regional Victoria, Jodie began her health career delivering school dental outreach services across the Barwon South West in towns much like Casterton, which fostered a lifelong connection to rural communities. This early work shaped a strong appreciation for the strengths and challenges of rural healthcare — an insight she has carried into her leadership, governance and coaching roles. She was drawn to CMH for its strong community ties, integrated approach to care and clear values. Jodie aims to support the organisation’s strategic direction and long-term sustainability in an increasingly complex and evolving health landscape.