Phillipa Thomas was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Mental Health Victoria in November 2024.  In this capacity, she leads the organisation as the independent peak body in its work to ensure that every Victorian has access to the positive enablers of mental health and wellbeing.  Her leadership emphasises public policy that supports mental health outcomes, accessible and acceptable mental health services, strategic sector reform, and sustaining momentum toward systemic improvement.  

Prior to joining Mental Health Victoria, Phillipa served in numerous senior roles at the Victorian Department of Health including Executive Director of Reform Implementation. Her public sector leadership included oversight of a number of key initiatives and strategies related to mental health and drug law reform, mental health workforce, and service innovation. 

Her earlier career includes leadership in mental health services at Alfred Health focusing on strategy and planning, and research and design that drew on her clinical practice experience as emergency mental health clinician.