MEDIA RELEASE – Wednesday 11 March 2026

Alexandra District Health CEO Jane Poxon announces retirement: 

Alexandra District Health (ADH) Chief Executive Officer Jane Poxon has announced she will retire in April, after more than three years leading the health service.
Jane commenced at ADH in December 2022 and after a rewarding career in health is retiring to spend more time with her family, care for her grandchildren, and to pursue interests such as travel, gardening and golf.
“This has been a deeply rewarding role and I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved together,” Mrs Poxon said. “ADH is a special place, with a committed and capable team who care deeply about the health and wellbeing of their community.”
ADH Board Chair Kim Flanagan said Jane had led the health service with integrity and compassion during a period of significant change and opportunity.
“Jane has strengthened ADH in many ways. From restoring financial stability and reinforcing clinical governance, to supporting new partnerships with Eastern Health and other services across the Murrindindi Shire that have already delivered tangible benefits for our community, including local oncology services,” Mr Flanagan said.
“Importantly, she leaves behind a strong and cohesive executive team, a positive culture and a clear focus on delivering safe, high-quality care close to home.”
Mr Flanagan acknowledged that Jane’s announcement comes at a time when the Boards of ADH and Eastern Health have formally recommended a voluntary amalgamation.
“Jane’s decision to retire is entirely personal. The Board respects her decision and thanks her for her dedication to ADH and the community.”
Mr Flanagan said that throughout the voluntary amalgamation exploration process, retaining strong local leadership and local decision-making was a clear priority.
“Our community has been clear about what matters – protecting and strengthening services, retaining our name, ensuring locally raised funds stay local, and maintaining a strong local leadership presence,” he said.
“If a voluntary amalgamation is approved, local leadership will remain in place, and our Community Engagement Committee will continue to play an important role in ensuring community voices inform service planning and decision-making.”

Claire Palmer, ADH Director of Clinical Services, will step into the role of Interim Chief Executive Officer following Jane’s departure.
“Claire is a highly respected and experienced leader who knows ADH and our community well,” Mr Flanagan said. “She will provide stability and continuity during this period.”
Given the Boards’ recommendation to the Minister for Health regarding a potential voluntary amalgamation, the ADH Board will not commence a recruitment process for a substantive Chief Executive Officer until the Minister’s decision is known.
“Our priority remains delivering excellent care for our community,” Mr Flanagan said. “We have a capable executive and clinical leadership team who will continue to lead ADH with confidence and commitment.”
Mrs Poxon will finish in the role on 17 April 2026. The Board will work closely with her and the ADH Executive Team over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition.

Media contact
Email: Jennifer.Creed@adh.org.au