Management team

Stephen Roberts – Chief Executive Officer

Stephen was appointed Chief Executive Officer at St John of God Geelong Hospital in 1991.

His previous appointments include Chief Executive at St John of God Health Care, Goulburn and Chief Clerk at Tamworth Base Hospital.

He holds a Bachelor in Business (CSU), Bachelor of Health Administration (UNSW) and is a Graduate of the Mt Eliza Management College Executive Development program. Stephen is the Chair and Director of the Board at GenU since 2014. 

Taanya Widdicombe – Director of Corporate and Service Development

Taanya was appointed Director of Corporate and Service Development in October 2014.

Her previous appointments include Director of Hospital Redevelopment and Community Development Manager with the St John of God Foundation.

Michael Desmond – Director of Medical Services

Michael is a Renal/General Physician who has a strong interest in Safety and Quality and Patient-Centred Care.

He has a PhD in Renal Medicine and prior to taking up his current role was the Director of General Medicine at University Hospital Geelong (UHG).

In addition to the role of Director of Medical Services, Michael continues to work in clinical medicine at St John of God, UHG and in outpatient Renal Services.

Vanessa Tran – Director of Nursing

Vanessa was appointed as Director of Nursing in February 2021.

She has over 22 years of experience in nursing and an extensive leadership background working in both public and private healthcare roles. 

She holds a Masters in Business Administration (MBA), Diploma of Project Management and Post Grad Emergency Nursing.  

Matt Corlett – Director of Finance

Matt has had extensive experience in a range of senior public and private healthcare finance roles, including Alfred Health, The Royal Children’s Hospital and Spire Healthcare (UK).

He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accounts, and is also a graduate of the University of Manchester with a 1st Class Honours in Mathematics and Physics.

Matt was appointed Director of Finance at St John of God Geelong Hospital in June 2018. 

Mara McDonald – Director of Mission Integration

Mara was appointed Director of Mission Integration in July 2020.

Her previous role includes Head of Learning, Development and Culture.

Mara holds Post Graduate qualifications in Organisational Change and Behaviour as well as Leadership and Executive Coaching and has completed a Commerce Degree.