26 June 2025

The Board of Women’s Health In the North (WHIN) is delighted to announce the appointment of Carolyn Gillespie as our new Chief Executive Officer, effective 28 July 2025. 

Carolyn joins WHIN with an impressive track record of leadership in gender equity, health, and community advocacy. Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter as we continue to drive change to improve the health, safety and wellbeing of women and gender-diverse people in Melbourne’s north.

Throughout the selection process, the Board was deeply impressed by Carolyn’s unwavering commitment to feminist principles and intersectional practice—values that are at the heart of WHIN’s work. Her strategic leadership experience, collaborative style and proven ability to influence systems align strongly with WHIN’s priorities and the vision outlined in our Strategic Plan.

Carolyn brings with her more than 15 years executive experience in health and social justice across the not-for-profit, community-controlled and public sectors, most recently as Co-CEO of the Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, a statutory body established following the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.  We are confident her appointment will further strengthen WHIN’s impact and partnerships across the region and beyond.

On behalf of the Board, staff, and our community partners, we warmly welcome Carolyn to WHIN and look forward to the energy, insight and commitment to centering lived experience she will bring.

We also extend our sincere thanks to Tracy Taylor-Back and Adriana Uteda for their leadership and commitment during their time as Interim CEO.  Their steady guidance and strategic focus have been invaluable in navigating this transitional period.

Petra Begnell
Chair of the Board
Women’s Health In the North