CEO Melanie Eagle announces her departure

After nearly a decade at the helm of firstly Hepatitis Victoria and then LiverWELL, Melanie Eagle has announced that she will leave the organisation.

Initially appointed Chief Executive Officer of Hepatitis Victoria, Melanie has brought decades of experience in community, advocacy and management. Under Melanie’s leadership, LiverWELL has grown significantly.

Melanie has campaigned for – and then promoted – access to new treatments for hepatitis C, conducted successful advocacy in hepatitis B and C strategies, and adopted a broadened remit from viral hepatitis to liver health.

It has been a time of great change and continual innovation, including a new social enterprise to train community and health workers and more recently embracing digital innovations to facilitate education during the pandemic, including relaunches of the digital app and website.

“These achievements have been possible through the dedication of the staff, the supportive guidance of the Board, and continued effort by collaborating organisations, researchers, and clinicians”, said Melanie. “I have been immensely grateful to work alongside them and the members of our community.  Knowing that together we have made improvements for others has been very rewarding.”

But what has particularly inspired Melanie throughout this time has been learning from those personally affected by liver disease and witnessing their courage and generosity.  “It has been a privilege to learn from those affected by liver disease, understand how they have tackled their challenges, and in turn, for this to inform the work of our organisation” said Melanie.

After these many rewarding years Melanie has decided to depart in order to meet her other commitments as well as explore new possibilities.  She is passing the leadership on to new CEO Russell Shewan, who joined the organisation in January.

Frank Carlus, past President of LiverWELL, describes Melanie as a passionate advocate, with a strong sense of vision who has built solid foundations, allowing LiverWELL to flourish and have a strong impact.

Maria Marshall, President of LiverWELL  said “As we celebrate the 30^th anniversary of our organisation this year, we acknowledge Melanie’s commitment to the organisation and the energy and drive she brought to the role that has seen LiverWELL go from strength to strength whilst in her stewardship.  Melanie’s legacy of hard work gives us firm foundations to build LiverWELL’s continued success.”