Leader in focus, Tina Chinery

8 Mar 2024

For St John of God Subiaco Hospital Chief Executive Officer Tina Chinery, a career in health care was an opportunity to work in a team and care for people – two things that bring her joy.  

A desire to be part of driving strategy and be involved in decision making has led Tina to seek out management roles. 

“I was lucky enough to work in numerous manager roles, starting as a nurse unit manager. I then worked my way up to a Director of Nursing role – however when faced  with some of the systems issues sought out roles that enabled me to work on solutions – with decision making authority,” she said.

“My first complex leadership role was the Regional Director in the Pilbara. I really enjoyed the subtle shift from fixing issues to creating opportunities for teams to create solutions.” 

Tina undertook a fair amount of background research on St John of God Health Care prior to applying for the role of CEO, and discovered that the opportunity to work here meant she could be part of something bigger than purely just delivering health care.

“The Mission and the Values of St John of God Health Care drew me to apply. Commencing included undertaking a commitment as a leader which I take very seriously. That commitment was easy as I have felt very welcomed and supported and hope that I am also creating that environment for each and every one of our caregivers,” said Tina. 

As a woman in a leadership role she believes that confidence in herself and her abilities has helped her navigate some difficult times and has also created opportunities.

 “We need to encourage women to apply for leadership positions and for those already in leadership roles we need to role model a healthy balanced work life career. We need to ensure that we have process in place to ensure women taking time out of work for family responsibilities do not get left behind in accessing career opportunities". 

“Flexibility is critically important and considering or creating job share leadership roles could sustain talent. Conscious thinking and decision making around roles and gender balance such as creating talent pathways for women is within our control.”