Sandra Hills joined Benetas in 2009 with career experience in local and state government and the not-for-profit sector and has qualifications spanning: nursing, psychology, research and business management. Sandra was acknowledged for her service to aged care and the advancement of women in the workplace with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division, in the 2017 Queen’s Birthday Honour List. She has published works on social isolation, consumer engagement, promotion of good ageing and end-of-life experience, quality and best practice, and future reform agenda.

As a future-focused CEO, Sandra understands that she has a clear role in providing strong leadership for the organisation, as well as contributing her knowledge to policy development in creating sustainable aged care services across Victoria. She wants to give older people a stronger voice and feels they should be valued for their past and current contributions.

Sandra has had a number of mentors across her career but ultimately believes that ‘you are in the driver’s seat of your career.’ Her advice to young professionals is not to be too concerned with status but be attuned to what you are passionate about and what you are good at.

Sandra continues to work in leadership roles within the industry including her positions as a Director of Anglicare Australia, a member of the National Aged Care Alliance, a member of the ACCPA (VIC) Members Advisory Committee, a member of Chief Executive Women.