CMAA National Executive

President - Alistair Kerr OAM

Alistair succeeded Judge Chester Keon-Cohen as President in 2000 and thanks the National Executive and CMAA members for their continuing vote of confidence in his leadership. His wife Joan who is known to many of you has been Victorian State Contact over the same period.

Alistair previously served on the Committee of Management of the Chronic Illness Alliance, Victorian Department of Health Clinical Cardiac Network and other departmental committees. He served on the Heart Foundation Executive Committee for the Development of Acute Coronary Syndrome Guidelines 2016 as the consumer representative also Medicare Local reference groups. He has been appointed by the Australian Electoral and Victorian Electoral Commissions as Deputy Returning Officer-in Charge at elections over many years.

Vice- President- Leigh Bell

I am a long term cardiomyopathy patient. I was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) as a child and had open heart surgery aged 17 (myectomy). Over the decades I've had many medications, a pacemaker, 4 ICD's, a pulmonary vein isolation ablation, multiple cardioversions for AF, and finally at aged 47, a transplant in 2021. My involvement with Cardiomyopathy Australia began at its inception in the 90's when my mother Robyn Bell wanted to establish a patient support and education group for HCM patients. I was involved in these early stages at the initial meetings in Brisbane. I became busy with my career and my involvement lapsed over time, but post transplant, I have renewed energy and am pleased to have the opportunity to work with Cardiomyopathy Australia. I hope to apply my lifelong experience with navigating cardiomyopathy to working in patient advocacy, education and support. My career was in logistics management with multinational companies. I currently live on the Sunshine Coast with my husband Peter and 2 little dogs. I'm a member of The Prince Charles Hospital's Consumer Engagement Network, and am a moderator on the HCMA Facebook group in the US.

Secretary- Dr Janet George

With a doctorate in social policy, Janet is a former researcher and teacher at the University of Sydney with continuing interests in health and ageing policies and research ethics. In retirement, she was for three years a member of NSW Ministerial Advisory Committee on Ageing which aims to promote the well-being of older people especially where disadvantaged by language, culture and location. A member of her family suffered from cardiomyopathy.

Treasurer- Dr Tim Blowfield

Born in WA many moons ago, Tim, a Veterinarian, retired in 2015 after establishing and running the North Balwyn Veterinary Hospital in 1978. Before that he taught Animal Health at Egerton College (now University) in Kenya. Married to Reva who has cardiomyopathy caused by Cystic Fibrosis (She is the third oldest in Australia with CF). They have 4 children and 7 grandchildren (and an 8th due in January). Active in their local Church, Tim is treasurer of the North Balwyn InterChurch Council, on the committee organising their massive Carols in the Park and has been on other committees such as a local Scout Group. His understanding of cardiomyopathy extends from the veterinary field , where it appears in various forms in many species. His involvement with the Cardiomyopathy Association therefore relates to both his wife's experience of cardiomyopathy and his professional background.

Director- Mary Smith - National Contact Co-ordinator

Mary was born in Albury NSW and has worked in fields of education, market research and allied health, with several years experience as a Counselling Psychologist. Her experience has included being associated with different committees and charities. She is married to Tony and they have two daughters. Mary has cardiomyopathy herself, and was pleased to learn of the support available through CMAA.