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Board Nominees 2024
2024 Election Process
As Australia's peak professional body for occupational therapy, Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) fosters evidence-based practice, enables lifelong learning and promotes the future of occupational therapy. OTA exists to support occupational therapists to support their community.
Nominations for the 2024 vacancies on the Board of Directors closed on Friday 19 July 2024. Three nominations were received to fill the two member-elected Board Director vacancies.
As per the constitution, the nominees must be elected via a member vote. This voting process is available to current, paid-up members of Occupational Therapy Australia who are either:
- General members (either full-time, part-time or affiliate)
- Honorary Life members
- New Graduate members
The 2024 election of member-elected Board Directors is being conducted online. Voting is open from Monday, 26 August 2024 until 5pm AEST Monday, 9 September 2024.
Members who are eligible to vote can do so by following the link sent via email from an authorised third party, TrueVote, who are overseeing the voting process from Monday 26 August 2024.
Note: If you don't receive this email, please check your junk mail folder. If, after checking, you have still not received this email, please contact  memberservices@otaus.com.au
The election results will be reported at the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 19 November 2024.
Meet the nominees for the Board Director positions
Below you will find the information provided by the nominees on why they are seeking election to the Board. This information has been provided by the nominees to assist members in deciding how to cast their vote.
The nominees are (in alphabetical order by surname):
Priscilla Ennals
Passion for OTA’s Purpose
Occupational therapy adds value to the lives of people and communities. I believe in the way the association supports occupational therapists to maximise this value through its strategic intentions for connection, empowerment, pride, and progress. Connection ensures OTs feel supported and have a sense of belonging to the wider profession and the systems in which we operate. Access to contemporary knowledge and ideas empowers OTs to deliver evidence based and holistic care throughout the span of their careers and to influence the systems they work in. Having a progressive, united voice means we can have the strongest influence on policy and resourcing agendas and can centre the voices of both occupational therapists the people who use our services in these political spaces. Celebrating and championing the great work done by individuals, teams, sectors and the profession provides inspiration and drives the profession forward
Leanne Healey
Passion for OTA’s Purpose
Professionally I am living the dream; strategizing, influencing, and leading across multiple horizons. I am an active influencer and advocate within industry; I support interdisciplinary allied health teams to deliver services that change life trajectory; I proudly see the impact of a community of passionate OT’s and I connect with people who are consumers of our services and hear what they need and expect from us. I understand the challenges and opportunities for our profession at all career levels and believe I have used this knowledge to have a positive impact in my role as a director on the OTA board.
Disability is my area of clinical and business interest and I promote a social-ecological model.
Being an OTA director has been a highlight and privilege. I would apricate the opportunity to be elected as an OTA board director for another term to continue to drive our impactful work.
Justine McKeogh
Passion for OTA’s Purpose
My passion for OTA, is embedded in a belief in the transformative power of Occupational Therapy. OTA’s commitment to advancing our profession through advocacy, research and education, aligns perfectly with my personal dedication. This is a testament to fostering a thriving and inclusive community of practitioners, who are dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of those individuals around us
OTA’s focus on professional excellence and its role in shaping policy and practice standards, motivate me to engage with the organisation.
I see opportunities to collaborate with like-minded professionals, share innovative practices and mentor young clinicians, while advocating for the ongoing role of OT in healthcare.
I aspire to leverage my skills to make a lasting impact for those who connect with our profession, ensuring equitable access of OT services across diverse populations
