Ballarat management team

Maria Noonan is the CEO for St John of God Ballarat Hospital. Prior to this appointment, Maria served as the Director of Nursing since 2012. She previously worked as the Deputy Director of Nursing/Clinical Operations Manager since 2009 and prior to that has performed in various management roles within the organisation.

Maria has completed her Graduate Diploma in Management and her Masters in Business Management at the University of Ballarat.

Michael Ryan is the Director of Nursing at St John of God Ballarat Hospital. Before this, Michael operated as Deputy Director of Nursing since 2013.

Michael commenced with St John of God Health Care in 1999 and worked as the Nurse Unit Manager on the orthopaedic ward for several years.

He holds a Diploma of Management and a Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Catholic Culture.

Dr Vince Russell has held several positions at St John of God Ballarat Hospital over the past 20 years. He is now acting as Director of Medical Services and continues to work in the Emergency Department as a senior consultant. He holds fellowships in the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, and has a Master’s degree in Sports Medicine. His current role involves helping to ensure the delivery of safe, effective and contemporary clinical care within the hospital.

As Director of Corporate Services and Business Development at St John of God Ballarat Hospital, Rachel leads the corporate support functions and supports initiatives to enhance our strategic growth.

Rachel is a results-driven executive with expertise in corporate governance, risk alignment, contract management, and program delivery. Known for streamlining operations and leading effective organisational change to deliver sustainable outcomes.

Rachel has an extensive career spanning infrastructure, utility and education sectors across wide reaching corporate service portfolios.

Rachel joined SJOG in 2024 after relocating with her family to Ballarat.

Maureen Waddington has been serving as Director of Mission since November 2002. Maureen came to St John of God Ballarat Hospital after a career in administration in Melbourne.

Prior to her appointment as Director of Mission, Maureen was Hotel Services Manager for St John of God Ballarat Hospital. Maureen has a Diploma in Management, a Masters of Business Administration, a Graduate Diploma in Theology and continues to study for her Masters of Divinity.

Maureen is also a board member of Centacare Ballarat and the Caroline Chisholm Centre for Health Ethics Melbourne.