Ambulance Victoria names Professor Shelley Dolan as interim CEO

The state’s ambulance service has revealed who will replace CEO Tony Walker in the wake of his shock departure.

Ambulance Victoria CEO Tony Walker has informed staff of his early departure. Picture: Hamish Blair

Ambulance Victoria has appointed an interim chief as the organisation ramps up its search for a new leader, following the early departure of former boss Tony Walker.

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre chief executive, Professor Shelley Dolan, will lead Ambulance Victoria from November 9 after Mr Walker made the call to finish up as chief executive two months earlier than planned.

Prior to joining Peter Mac, Prof. Dolan was acting chief executive and chief nurse at one of the largest hospitals in Europe and has more than 25 years of leadership experience in large-scale hospital management.

Ambulance Victoria chair Shelly Park said she has “strong confidence” in the new interim chief executive.

“Shelley will be an inspiring leader as she steps in to drive the important cultural and operational strategic reforms currently underway at Ambulance Victoria, while the board progresses the search for a new chief executive,” Ms Park said.

Walker, who had been with Ambulance Victoria almost 37 years, last week emailed staff to detail his early departure.

He had recently returned to work after a period of extended medical leave after being diagnosed with cancer.

“Returning from my time off recently has served as a very welcome reminder of just how incredible this organisation is,” he said in his email.

“However, I must admit my return hasn’t been without its personal challenges following my time off and after much thought I’ve made the decision to step down from my CEO role earlier than my planned December date.

Tony Walker had recently returned from the role after battling cancer. Picture: David Geraghty

“This is not an easy decision but, as I often say, we can’t care for others if we don’t care for ourselves.”

In his time with Ambulance Victoria Professor Walker has worked as a paramedic, MICA paramedic, general manager, and CEO.

His last day with the organisation was expected to be December 23.

“I love this organisation and, as I am sure you can appreciate, the decision hasn’t been an easy one,” Professor Walker said when he announced his resignation.

“However, the past five months have given me an opportunity to reflect deeply on what’s important and I feel the time is right for me, my family and also for AV.

“I am fully committed to leading the important cultural and operational strategic reforms currently underway during my remaining time here at AV and working with new Chair Shelly Park and the Board to make the transition as seamless as possible.”

Professor Walker’s resignation is the latest in a series of senior officers to leave Ambulance Victoria.

Last month the Herald Sun revealed executive director of clinical operations, Mick Stephenson, was stood down over allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

Mr Stephenson is one of the organisation’s most senior figures, and is responsible for statewide emergency ambulance operations of advanced life support and MICA paramedics.

Former chairman Ken Lay left Ambulance Victoria earlier this year, less than six months after a final Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission report into AV’s toxic culture was made public.

Director of people and culture Rebecca Hodges resigned from the organisation in March, after Ambulance Employees Australia Victoria wrote to Mr Lay demanding she be sacked.