Transplant Australia is strengthening its program delivery, operations and partnerships with a number of senior management changes, announced this week by CEO, Chris Thomas.
Former Board Member and corneal transplant recipient, Holly Tyrrell, has joined Transplant Australia as Head of Community and Operations, taking direct responsibility for the delivery of the Australian Transplant Games, programs to support the transplant community and operations. Holly is a senior sports executive having formerly worked with Water Polo Australia, Equestrian Australia and Surf Life Saving.
Holly said: “I am thrilled to be joining the Transplant Australia staff team and leading some major initiatives including the upcoming 2026 Australian Transplant Games. Transplant Australia is an organisation that I am truly passionate about, having served on the Board from 2018 to 2024, worked with national sporting organisations for almost two decades and being a transplant recipient myself – I can’t wait to continue contributing to such a great cause.”
Jo O’Farrell, who has served as Manager, Stakeholder Engagement since 2021, has been appointed Head of Partnerships and Communications, reflecting the organisation’s increased focus on growing support from government, corporate and philanthropic partners, along the wider community.
Jo said: “Working with the transplant community and alongside the Organ & Tissue Authority and the dedicated DonateLife teams is a career highlight. Our Strategic Plan identifies the need for more direct support for the transplant community, to increase living donation rates, and to continue advocating for improvements across the organ and tissue donation sector. Partners, donors and community supporters play a vital role in our capacity to drive these outcomes and expand our impact.”
Together Holly and Jo will head up two teams responsible for growing Transplant Australia and enhancing its ability to better meet the needs of the transplant community.
CEO, Chris Thomas said: We have a brilliant and dedicated team working at Transplant Australia. It’s important to understand all of our work is led through direct lived experience and professionals who are passionate about Transplant Australia’s role as the peak community body in donation and transplantation. I am pleased to welcome Holly and continue working closely with Jo and our team to implement these important changes. They will help ensure we can deliver on our plans while streamlining operations so we can continue to advance our mission effectively and sustainably.
“In addition to these changes, we’re pleased to welcome recent recruits Valerie Waghorn (Administration) and Dan Grant (Marketing & Communications), who have already added great strength to our team. Angela Cairns continues as Manager, Support & Education, Emmy O’Neill becomes Manager, Membership and Participation, while Julie Edwards will focus on fundraising initiatives to encourage more Australians to support our cause.”
“Emmy, Angela and Julie also provide valuable lived experience to our cause and we are thrilled Emmy will provide that important link to our membership and community. Although Julie is now only able to give us one day a week, she remains an important part of our staff now and into the future.”
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