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Lauren Cordwell
General Manager - Strategy and Stakeholder Engagement & NFP Non-Executive Director
Professional Background
Lauren Cordwell is a dedicated health advocate passionately committed to ensuring that individuals across Australia have equitable access to high-quality, affordable healthcare in their local communities. With over 20 years of extensive experience in the healthcare sector, Lauren has effectively fostered partnerships among diverse communities, health professionals, and governmental agencies, demonstrating her strategic thinking and commitment to addressing pressing community health needs.
Currently serving as the General Manager of Strategy and Stakeholder Engagement at the Rural Workforce Agency of Victoria (RWAV), Lauren plays a pivotal role in shaping health policy and strategy to align with community engagement efforts. With her expertise, she brings significant value to organizations, leveraging her knowledge and skills in governance to enhance the wellbeing of the communities she serves.
Lauren’s career trajectory reflects her dedication to collaborative problem-solving and team leadership, particularly when confronted with challenging health policy issues that affect the Australian health landscape. Her professional journey has been characterized by her unwavering commitment to driving positive change and fostering a collaborative environment among stakeholders, making her a respected leader in her field.
Education and Achievements
Lauren's impressive academic background has equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the healthcare sector. She holds a Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) from Latrobe University, where she laid the foundation for her career in health. Following her undergraduate studies, she pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in Management at the University of Melbourne’s renowned Melbourne Business School, further enhancing her capabilities in management and leadership within health services.
In pursuit of a deeper understanding of public health, Lauren obtained her Masters of Public Health at the University of Melbourne. This advanced degree has significantly informed her approach to health policy, allowing her to advocate effectively for community-related health needs.
Additionally, Lauren is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has achieved the status of Associate Fellow of the Australian College of Health Service Managers. These prestigious affiliations reflect her commitment to continuous professional development and leadership excellence within the healthcare sector.
Notable Achievements
Throughout her career, Lauren has held several prominent positions that underscore her expertise in health advocacy and management. She has previously served as a Non-Executive Director and Deputy Chair of the Health Issues Centre, where she contributed her insights to promote consumer perspectives in health policy and advocacy. Her tenure at the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) was marked by a series of leadership roles, including Senior Advisor – Health Reform, State Manager – Victoria, and Manager of various faculties focused on rural and indigenous health.
At the RACGP, Lauren was instrumental in advocating for general practice and supporting healthcare providers, especially in rural and underserved areas. Her experience as a Project Manager at various health partnerships and community health organizations further honed her skills in collaboration and community engagement, essential for fostering healthcare solutions tailored to community needs.
In her current role at RWAV, Lauren continues to champion healthcare access for all Australians, developing strategic frameworks that enhance stakeholder engagement and address workforce challenges in rural healthcare settings. Her profound commitment to health equity and her ability to navigate complex healthcare challenges have positioned her as a leader committed to enhancing healthcare delivery across Australia.
