Janice retired in 2023 from her role as the inaugural Chief Executive of the Health Quality and Safety Commission in Aotearoa New Zealand, a position she held for twelve years. Prior to this, she worked in the Ministry of Health since 1993, as Director of Mental Health and in roles of Deputy Director General (DDG), Mental Health, followed by DDG Population Health.

A psychiatrist by training, she has worked clinically, as well as a manager of mental health services, before being appointed to these national roles. While working in the Ministry of Health, she led national policy endeavours to reform mental health and addiction services, as well as supporting developments in population health.

Janice is passionate about supporting system and structural change that will result in health and community services that are responsive to all in Aotearoa New Zealand, reducing inequities and improving health outcomes. She enjoys living in Wellington with her family, including her cat, having more time for wider family activities and the challenges of being an active gardener with the wonderful climatic variations this city experiences.

“It has been an enormous privilege to be part of the initiation and development of eMHIC internationally and to witness the growth and development of digital mental health within the overall advancement of comprehensive mental health services. The commitment and dedication of so many talented people who are focused on enabling system change that will benefit vulnerable individuals and communities is impressive.”