Executive team

Annette Scott was appointed Health Service Chief Executive in 2021, bringing decades of experience in clinical practice, leadership, and health service innovation.

Beginning her career as a physiotherapist, Annette worked in private practice before joining the Queensland public health system, where she built a diverse career spanning senior clinical practice, project management, and quality and safety leadership. She has led multidisciplinary teams across acute, community, and rural outreach settings, and previously served as Executive Director of Allied Health and as the allied health statewide representative on the Queensland Clinical Senate Executive.

Annette is recognised for her leadership in developing innovative models of care, including telehealth-enabled services such as the Premier’s award-winning Telehealth Pre-admission Clinic at Toowoomba Hospital.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was Darling Downs Health’s COVID Health Incident Commander and vaccination rollout lead, earning the Public Service Medal in 2021.

A passionate advocate for rural health, Annette was a founder in the establishment of Southern Queensland Rural Health, a University Department of Rural Health and continues to champion strong partnerships with universities and health education providers.

Greg Neilson leads Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs Services ensuring delivery of the Joint Regional Plan for mental health, suicide prevention, alcohol and drugs.

Greg has extensive leadership experience coordinating specialist services across inpatient and community settings, and in 2009 received a Distinguished Service Award for his leadership in regional mental health. He pioneered telehealth mental health assessments for rural emergency departments in 2013, improving access to care across the Darling Downs and South-West regions.

He began his health career as a mental health nurse at Baillie Henderson Hospital, and prior to his current role, he was Nursing Director for Acute and Community Mental Health Services at Darling Downs Health.

He is a Fellow of the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses and holds specialist tertiary qualifications in mental health nursing, health management, and health economics. Greg is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Governance Institute of Australia.

Professor Hwee Sin Chong was appointed Executive Director of the Queensland Rural Medical Service in 2017 and has held senior medical leadership roles with Darling Downs Health since 2011.

She previously served as Director of Medical Services at Toowoomba Hospital and as Executive Director of Medical Services, overseeing clinical governance, medical education, recruitment, and public health portfolios.

An advocate for medical leadership development and medical education, Professor Chong has contributed to both local and national rural medical workforce initiatives through innovative medical training pathways. She is also deputy chair for the Australian Medical Council Prevocational Standards Accreditation Committee.

Professor Chong is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators and holds a Master of Health Management and a Master of International Public Health. She is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and was recognised as a Young Executive Leader by the International Hospital Federation in 2020.

Dr Liam Flynn is the professional and strategic lead for doctors across Darling Downs Health, driving innovation and excellence in medical practice.

He has extensive clinical experience, having worked as a General Practitioner, Rural Generalist, and hospital clinician in several Queensland locations.

After working with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Dr Flynn joined Darling Downs Health’s Public Health Unit, where as Acting Director he led the health service’s response to the largest public health challenge in a century. Prior to his current role, he was Director of Public Health and Community Medicine.

Dr Flynn is a Fellow of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, and the Faculty of Public Health Medicine of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. His leadership is defined by a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and improving health outcomes for communities across the Darling Downs.

Dr Christopher Cowling leads rural and remote health services, ensuring communities across the Darling Downs receive high-quality care and workforce support.

A Fellow of both the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine and the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators, Dr Cowling has extensive clinical and operational leadership experience that supports a deep commitment to the rural and remote communities he has served.

Before joining Darling Downs Health in 2020, he trained and worked as a Rural Generalist with advanced skills in anaesthetics and dedicated many years to the Royal Flying Doctor Service based in Charleville. As Director of Medical Services – Western Cluster, Dr Cowling provided medical leadership across diverse teams before transitioning to his current executive role.

He holds a Master of Health Leadership and Management from the University of New South Wales and is passionate about strengthening rural health systems and supporting clinicians to deliver safe, sustainable care for patients and communities.

Alison Broadbent was appointed Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery Service in 2025.

She has a strong focus on developing leaders who drive sustainable and safe healthcare organisations. She believes involving patients, families, and communities in the design of care is essential to achieving the best outcomes.

Ali brings extensive experience in nursing, midwifery, operational management, clinical governance, workforce planning, and strategic development across both public and private health sectors.

She has held executive leadership roles in Queensland and New South Wales, successfully driving transformational change while maintaining clinical excellence, financial sustainability, and high-quality patient care. Her leadership is defined by bold, collaborative approaches that foster innovation and high-performing multidisciplinary teams. Ali is committed to advancing nursing and midwifery practice and delivering exceptional outcomes for patients and communities.

Louise Van Every was appointed as Executive Director of Allied Health in 2023, bringing extensive experience in clinical practice, health service leadership, and workforce development.

An occupational therapist by training, Louise also holds a Graduate Diploma in Rural and Remote Health. She began her career as a generalist occupational therapist in the North Burnett before joining West Moreton Hospital and Health Service, where she progressed through roles spanning clinical service delivery, program management, and senior leadership.

Louise later joined Children’s Health Queensland and held several leadership roles which focussed on community service development and statewide health partnerships to improve outcomes for children and families. Louise has also had experience in leading clinical and corporate governance functions and health service transformation.

Louise is passionate about innovation and expanding opportunities for allied health practitioners, supporting the delivery of person-centred healthcare that meets evolving community needs.

Jane Ranger was appointed Chief Finance Officer in 2016, providing single-point accountability of the Finance Division including financial control, business management, revenue services, patient travel services, costing and funding services and business analysis.

She brings more than 25 years of senior leadership experience across industries such as banking, tourism and hospitality, public transport, manufacturing, and building and construction, and has held senior statewide roles in the private healthcare sector.

She has contributed to strategic financial management and governance across many complex organisations, ensuring sustainability and accountability in service delivery.

Jane holds a Bachelor of Business from Griffith University, where she graduated as dux (highest grade point average. She is a Fellow Certified Practicing Accountant (FCPA), a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and a Commissioner for Declarations. She has also completed the Queensland Health Change Leadership Program in association with KPMG and Harvard University.

Dave Pugsley oversees the Commercial Management and Infrastructure Division, which includes infrastructure planning and delivery, maintenance and engineering, commercial management and the strategic project management office.

He began his healthcare career with Pathology Queensland, sparking his interest in rural healthcare finance and investment in innovative technologies. Since 2018, Dave has held senior finance management roles across the Darling Downs, implementing initiatives that secured ongoing funding for rural communities.

In 2022, he became Director Rural Operations, leading strategic priorities including facility services standardisation, rural hospital builds, virtual models of care, drone logistics, and workforce recruitment.

Dave holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is an Australia Day Medallion recipient for his contribution during the 2011 Brisbane floods.

Passionate about improving regional and rural healthcare, Dave is leading the delivery of the New Toowoomba Hospital and ieMR projects, while ensuring coordinated infrastructure and asset management across Darling Downs.

Kylie Pippos was appointed Executive Director in 2023. She provides strategic oversight of workplace relations, health safety and wellbeing, recruitment and attraction, workforce planning, learning and development, and workforce capability, culture, and engagement.

Kylie is a senior human resources professional with more than 20 years of experience across health, aged and community care, finance, and retail. She has held leadership roles in large, complex organisations, including five years as General Manager of Business Partnering (People and Culture) with UnitingCare Queensland and senior leadership positions with Mater Group.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Relations and Sociology and is a Certified Professional Member of the Australian Human Resources Institute. In 2020, Kylie completed a Leadership Excellence Program with McKinsey & Company.

Kylie is committed to building a strong, sustainable workforce for the region.

Rachel Phillips was appointed Executive Director of Toowoomba Hospital in 2023, bringing more than two decades of experience in Queensland Health.

Rachel has worked as a clinician, professional leader, and executive across acute and ambulatory care, primary care, and mental health.

Prior to joining Darling Downs Health, Rachel was Executive Director of Clinical Support Services at Princess Alexandra Hospital, including six months as Acting Executive Director. A Clinical Psychologist by training, she is also Chair of the Psychology Board of Australia.

Rachel has a strong interest in health practitioner regulation, clinical education, implementation science, and professional ethics. Her leadership is defined by a commitment to safe, effective, and innovative models of care that strengthen clinical practice and improve outcomes for patients and communities

Denise Toman was appointed Chief Digital and Information Officer in 2025, bringing over 20 years of experience in healthcare Information Technology across the United Kingdom (UK), United States of America, and Australia.

Denise began her career in the National Health Service (UK) in medical records and coding before transitioning into nursing and business management, which laid the foundation for her expertise in digital health.

She has led large‑scale implementation of patient management and clinical information systems internationally, and in Australia worked with eHealth New South Wales on clinical, infrastructure and corporate system projects.

She later spent seven years at Queensland University of Technology, managing enterprise architecture, business process improvement, centres of excellence in change management and data governance, and a major five‑year digital transformation program.

Denise is recognised for bridging healthcare and technology, driving innovation, and improving processes to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. Her leadership is defined by a commitment to digital transformation that supports safe, sustainable, and patient‑centred healthcare.

Todd Williams is a proud Koa Wakka Wakka man and was appointed Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services in 2025. He brings extensive expertise in advancing health equity, strategic leadership, and culturally responsive service delivery across the Darling Downs region.

Prior to joining Darling Downs Health, Todd was Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Kambu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation for Health and Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health at the Darling Downs West Moreton Primary Health Network.

He has also served as Chairperson and founding member of Bi‑Yanga, the Toowoomba Local Decision‑Making Body, and held board roles with the Dalby Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Todd’s qualifications include Indigenous mentoring, leadership, and training, reflecting his practical and strategic approach to strengthening governance and capacity. He is an advocate for mental wellness, person‑centred care, and ensuring individuals receive the right care in the right place at the right time.

Duane Roth was appointed Director, Office of the Chief Executive in 2025. He brings more than 25 years of experience across government, higher education, and the private sector, with a strong record of leadership in strategy, governance, and stakeholder engagement.

Prior to joining Darling Downs Health, Duane held senior roles at the University of Southern Queensland, including Chief of Staff to the Vice-Chancellor and Associate Director of Service Improvement, where he managed complex portfolios and led organisational change.

His career also spans project management and executive roles within Queensland Government departments, where he delivered award‑winning initiatives in service delivery and community engagement.

He holds a Bachelor of Creative Industries from Queensland University of Technology and is a graduate of the CAUDIT Leadership Institute.

Duane is passionate about empowering people, fostering collaboration, and building lasting relationships to achieve positive outcomes.