A new era for St John of God Foundation
Experienced business leader Justin Carroll has been appointed Chair of the St John of God Foundation Board, succeeding Tony Howarth AO, who has served as Chair since October 2019.
St John of God Foundation Board Chair Justin Carroll
Mr Howarth will remain a Director, providing continuity and ongoing strategic guidance.
Foundation Chief Executive Officer Bianca Pietralla said the Foundation was delighted to welcome Justin Carroll as Chair.
“He brings significant governance, financial and strategic expertise, an understanding of St John of God Health Care and a genuine passion for the work of the Foundation,” Ms Pietralla said.
Mr Carroll has more than 35 years’ experience across audit, assurance, corporate governance and financial services. He is an Assurance Partner with PwC Australia’s Perth practice and has worked across a variety of diverse sectors including resources, utilities, banking and agribusiness.
Mr Carroll said he was honoured to lead the Foundation at an important point in its development.
“It is a privilege to be appointed Chair of St John of God Foundation,” Mr Carroll said.
“I thank Tony for his dedicated leadership and look forward to working with my fellow Directors, the Foundation team and our generous supporters to build on the Foundation’s strong legacy and help advance health care across Australia,” he said.
Ms Pietralla also paid tribute to Mr Howarth, who became Foundation Chair in 2019 following 14 years as Chair of St John of God Health Care.
“Tony has led the Foundation Board with wisdom, integrity and an unwavering commitment to our Mission,” she said.
“His leadership has helped strengthen the Foundation’s strategic direction and its capacity to support extraordinary care, research and innovation. We are grateful Tony will continue to serve as a Director and that the Foundation will continue to benefit from his experience and insight.”
Long-serving Directors Stephen Roberts and Lisa Norman have concluded their terms as part of the governance transition. The Foundation acknowledged their significant contribution and commitment to advancing its Mission over many years.
The renewed Board also includes respected philanthropist and business leader Nadia Lefroy as one of its new independent Directors, bringing extensive experience in charitable giving and community impact.
St John of God Foundation Board Member Nadia Lefroy.
Mr Carroll said Ms Lefroy’s appointment would strengthen the philanthropic and community perspective represented on the Board.
“We are delighted to welcome Nadia to the Foundation Board. Her longstanding commitment to philanthropy and community will bring valuable experience and perspective as we continue to build meaningful partnerships and grow the impact of the Foundation,” he said.
The governance transition and Board renewal builds on more than three decades of philanthropic impact by St John of God Foundation and positions it to inspire greater generosity in support of care, research and innovation for patients, clients and communities served by St John of God Health Care.
Effective 24 June 2026, the Foundation has also adopted a new corporate structure to strengthen its governance framework and support increasingly ambitious fundraising initiatives and partnerships across Australia.
As it prepares for its next phase of philanthropic growth and national impact, St John of
God Foundation has transitioned to a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) and announced
a renewal of its Board leadership.
The transition to a Company Limited by Guarantee will also see an increase in the representation of independent Directors on the Board, broadening its expertise across philanthropy, governance, business and community leadership.
Ms Pietralla said the changes reflected the Foundation’s growth and ambitions for the future.
“As the Foundation grows, so does our responsibility to the donors, patients and communities who make our work possible,” she said.
“Transitioning to a Company Limited by Guarantee and broadening the expertise represented on our Board gives us a strong foundation for the future and supports our ambition to grow philanthropic impact in advancing health and wellbeing in our community.”