ASMS Executive Director appointed

I am pleased to advise that after a lengthy process Sarah Dalton has been confirmed by the National Executive as my successor, effective 1 January 2020.

Sarah will be known to many of you as ASMS Industrial Officer for Northland, Auckland, and Waitemata DHBs, and until recently, Counties Manukau DHB. She will continue in her current role until the end of the year, by which time we hope to have appointed another industrial officer for these DHBs.

I have full confidence that Sarah is an excellent choice. This sense is enhanced by the high quality of applicants for the role. The recruitment process was handled by an external recruitment firm.

Before joining us in 2015, Sarah worked at the PPTA for seven years, initially on professional matters and subsequently on employment relations matters for principals and teachers.

Sarah has held several teaching roles, including that of Assistant Principal at Aotea College and Head of Department for English at Upper Hutt College.

She has been prominent in efforts to increase the profile of women members in ASMS.

She is a trust member and board secretary for Wāhine Connect, a professional network for women in medicine and health.

In addition to work on behalf of members in her DHBs (and helping out in other DHBs), Sarah has negotiated several non-DHB collective agreements, including New Zealand Blood Service, Family Planning and Hokianga Health.

I include the following words from ASMS President Professor Murray Barclay about Sarah’s appointment:

“Sarah has been a very active and visible member of the ASMS team and an effective one. She relates well to members and is respected by DHB management as a strong and well-organised advocate.

“The Executive faced a difficult task replacing Ian, who has been a formidable advocate for ASMS members and the public health service for 30 years.

“The recruitment process was thorough and rigorous.

“We are delighted Sarah has accepted this role.”

A media release about Sarah's appointment can be read here: https://www.asms.org.nz/news/asms-news/2019/09/11/new-executive-director-appointed/

I have just commenced annual leave overseas for nearly five weeks. During this period Deputy Executive Director Angela Belich will be acting as Executive Director on my behalf.

Kind regards,

Ian Powell
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR