Appointed: Dr Sharon Hakkennes
Position: Chief Digital Health Officer
Organisation: Victorian Department of Health
Dr. Sharon Hakkennes has been appointed as Chief Digital Health Officer with the Victorian Department of Health and will commence in July 2024. In this position Sharon will lead system-wide strategies and governance for critical digital applications in hospitals, mental health and community health services. Sharon will set strategic direction for the sector promoting an integrated approach to digital health by leading the work on the realisation of Victoria’s digital road map, connection of care, virtual care, digital infrastructure, and national programmes including My Health Record.
With 25 years of experience in the health industry, Sharon possesses a unique understanding of the challenges faced in delivering clinical care. Sharon is an advocate for technology as an enabler of patient outcomes and business efficiency and uses empathy and credibility to engage stakeholders and build environments that are agile to change.
Sharon was most recently Vice President Research Analyst at Gartner, a global research and advisory firm. Before that, she was employed by Barwon Health in numerous positions over 12 years including the Chief Information Officer, Director Health Informatics, Information Management Officer and Chief Physiotherapist.
