OV/SA appoints Ilsa Hampton as new CEO

Optometry Victoria South Australia (OV/SA) has announced its new CEO, Ms Ilsa Hampton, after what the organisation described as an intense recruitment process.

Hampton is an experienced health sector leader, holding senior executive and leadership roles in aged care and social and community services. She was most recently CEO at membership organisation Meaningful Ageing Australia, where she grew the organisation significantly, undertook advocacy with government and key stakeholders, and delivered education and evidence-based practical resources for members.

As OV/SA CEO, she takes over from Mr Pete Hayden who was in the role for seven years before leaving to head up the Australian College of Optometry. Member services and policy manager Ms Michelle Marven will continue in the interim CEO role until Hampton takes up the permanent CEO role in mid-February 2022.

Previously, Hampton has held senior and strategic roles with leading aged care and community service organisation Baptcare, including the role of acting general manager.

Additionally, she is an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at the School of Midwifery and Nursing at La Trobe University, board director at Palliative Care Australia, and Victorian executive committee member of the Australian Association of Gerontology.

She also holds a Master of Public Health and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course.

OV/SA president Ms Elise Pocknee-Clem was excited to welcome the new CEO.

“Ilsa comes with a wealth of experience as a CEO and senior leader in the health and aged care sectors. She has a strong working knowledge of the health system, demonstrated strategic acumen and excellent communication, and stakeholder engagement skills. I have no doubt that Ilsa will be an asset to our organisation and our members,” she said.

Hampton said she is looking forward to starting the role.

“I’m excited to join such a well-respected and long-standing association in OV/SA,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to utilising my skills, experience and knowledge towards implementing the new strategic plan and to lead the development and delivery of an international conference in 2023 with our partner organisations. I am also looking forward to getting to know the optometry community.”