Professor Sarah Hosking
PhD FAICD
Chief Executive Officer
Sarah Hosking is an experienced CEO and non executive director, and for nearly 30 years has worked as a researcher, clinician, and senior executive mostly in the UK and Australia. With a proven track record in business start-up, turnaround, development, and change management, she has extensive knowledge of private and government, primary and acute health sectors across a broad range of disciplines. Her special areas of interest have been in cancer, paediatric palliative care, and eye health. Sarah volunteered as a clinician and educator for many years in countries across Africa and Asia.
Winner of the 2020 Telstra NSW Business Woman of the Year for Purpose and Social Impact, Sarah is described as a leader with inspired vision, boundless drive, enthusiasm and determination, and exceptional negotiation skills. She has a dynamic yet pragmatic approach, is a team player, and energises those around her to achieve to the best of their ability.
Ms Sarah McGill
MPP, PGDipBS(Mgt), FCHSM, GAICD
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Sarah leads the Finance, Strategy, and Operations Division, overseeing key enterprise-wide functions such as Information Technology, Finance, Risk and Audit, Property and Facilities, Legal, Strategy, Planning, Evaluation, and Project Management, as well as the National Delivery and Operations Team.
Before joining Cancer Council NSW in April 2025, Sarah was the Director of Screening and Prevention and Deputy CEO at the Cancer Institute NSW for twelve years, where she led state-wide programs including the national cancer screening programs and cancer prevention and behaviour change programs. Here, Sarah collaborated closely with national and state-based stakeholders to improve cancer outcomes.
Sarah has a clinical background and post-graduate qualifications in Health Services Management and Public Policy. Sarah is a Fellow of the Australian Health Services Management College (FCHSM) and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Director (GAICD).She is passionate about partnering with community and key stakeholders to improve health equity and cancer outcomes for all people in Australia.
Professor Andreas Behren
PhD
Director, Research Strategy & Operations
As Director Research Strategy & Operations, Andreas leads Cancer Council NSW’s research strategy and helps guide the organisation’s cancer research investments and partnerships. He is passionate about supporting research that is scientifically excellent, relevant to the needs of people affected by cancer, and capable of making a meaningful difference across the cancer continuum. Collaboration, breaking down research silos, a strong focus on impact, and genuine community engagement are central to how Andreas sees the future of cancer research.
Andreas joined Cancer Council NSW in July 2024, bringing with him extensive experience as a cancer researcher and research leader. He holds a PhD from the University of Tübingen, Germany, and moved to Melbourne in 2008 to continue his research at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research. In 2018, he was appointed Laboratory Head at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute. His research has spanned multiple cancer types, with a particular focus on translational tumour immunology, and reflects a longstanding commitment to turning scientific discovery into better outcomes for people affected by cancer. His laboratory program has been widely published and has attracted significant funding from government, philanthropic and industry sources.
Ms Anita Dessaix
MA (Communication Management), MPH
Director, Cancer Prevention & Advocacy
As Director Cancer Prevention & Advocacy, Anita is responsible for leading strategy and program efforts in the two Cancer Council NSW strategic priority areas of Prevention and Advocacy. The Division’s focus is on reducing the burden of cancer and reducing cancer risk across NSW communities, through targeted programs, policy, advocacy and retail stores.
Anita holds a Master of Arts in Communication Management from the University of Technology, Sydney and a Master of Public Health from The University of Sydney. She has more than 15 years’ experience within the NSW public health sector, with 12 years in cancer prevention specifically. Anita has held a number of senior management positions in public health having previously worked in organisations such as the Cancer Institute NSW, the NSW Ministry of Health as well as private consulting.
Ms Kaylene Jacques
BEc, GAICD
Chief People Officer
Kaylene Jacques is Chief People Officer at Cancer Council NSW, leading the organisation’s People and Culture Division. Her work focuses on enabling Cancer Council NSW’s people to deliver on the organisation’s strategic priorities through strong leadership, workforce capability, values-led culture and organisational effectiveness.
Kaylene brings more than 20 years’ experience in human resources, organisational culture and strategic change, with executive leadership experience across both the corporate and not-for-profit sectors. She has a strong track record of building high-performing, purpose-led teams, aligning people strategy with organisational priorities, and bringing commercial acumen and sound governance judgement to complex organisational challenges.
Kaylene holds a Bachelor of Economics and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ Company Directors Course.
Dr Vanessa Johnston
MB BS, MPH, PhD, FAFPHM, PSM
Director, Cancer Information and Support Services
Adjunct Professor, UNSW
Dr Vanessa Johnston is Director of Cancer Information and Support Services at Cancer Council NSW. She leads statewide and national programs that provide information, navigation, psychosocial and practical support to people affected by cancer, with a focus on improving quality of life and equitable access.
A specialist public health physician and Adjunct Professor at UNSW, Vanessa has held senior leadership roles across government, academia and the not-for-profit sector, including Deputy Chief Health Officer for the ACT. She has extensive experience in health policy, research, service delivery and system reform, and a longstanding commitment to reducing health inequities for First Nations peoples and culturally diverse communities.
Vanessa contributes to national cancer initiatives, including the implementation of Australia’s national Cancer Navigation Service, and is an active researcher with a strong focus on translating evidence into practice. She was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2023 for outstanding service to public health.
Ms Naomi Watson
BA (Hons 1), ACIM
Director, Marketing & Fundraising
As Director of Marketing and Fundraising, Naomi works in collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer and the Executive Leadership team in leading Cancer Council NSW’s brand, mission marketing and fundraising through campaigns, direct marketing, marketing insights, philanthropy, digital marketing and supporter experience. Naomi oversees the growth and diversification of Cancer Council NSW’s fundraising portfolio and supports the development of long term sustainable income generation.
Naomi holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons 1) a Diploma in Professional Marketing and is a mentor at Fundraising Institute Australia. She has over 15 years’ experience gained across international settings working across a diverse range of not-for-profit and for-profit organisations in publishing, education and the arts sectors. Prior to joining Cancer Council NSW, Naomi led marketing teams at Hodder Education part of Hachette UK.