About
I am a senior NFP Executive and Board Member with extensive experience in governance reform, leadership, media and advocacy, events and management.
I am the CEO of Transplant Australia. In April 2023 I stepped down from the Presidency of the World Transplant Games Federation after serving eight years.
I have:
- led the reform of the World Transplant Games Federation (WTGF) including a new constitution with term limits for executive officers and new policies for member protection and child safety and its acceptance as a charity under UK Law.
- led an overhaul of the bidding processes for the World Transplant Games to ensure transparency and accountability.
- introduced an advocacy program to build the relationship with the International Olympic Committee and The Transplantation Society. At the WTGF I introduced a Hall of Fame to recognise sector leaders and our sportspeople. I have also encouraged further research into exercise post-transplantation and the need to remain fit and active post-transplant. Our Fit for Life program has been adopted internationally.
In Australia I have been the Chief Executive Officer of the leading charity, Transplant Australia, for 15 years. I served on the Advisory Taskforce which reformed organ donation in Australia and was also a Member of the Organ & Tissue Donation Advisory Council for six years.
- regularly quoted in the media and appear on television and radio speaking as a representative on matters relating to organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
- extensive experience in event management having been the Chairman of two World Transplant Games in Australia in 2009 on the Gold Coast and in 2023 in Perth. I have managed six Australian Transplant Games as well as many programs to promote donation to the Australian public.
- also a Board Member of Transplant Australia and represent our charity on the Australian Sporting Alliance for People with a Disability and the National Sports Collective. I regularly work with senior government leaders from both the areas of sport and organ donation.
I am passionate about helping those who need a transplant receive one while ensuring Australia better understands the legacy that can be left by registering as an organ donor.
Activity
-
Wow wow wow. This little Crew dreamt of changing the world .... and that's what they're doing. So proud. Film Trailer here: https://lnkd.in/gp8uSy69
Wow wow wow. This little Crew dreamt of changing the world .... and that's what they're doing. So proud. Film Trailer here: https://lnkd.in/gp8uSy69
Liked by Chris Thomas
-
I can honestly say - the World Transplant Games' athletes changed my life. Their desire to squeeze every bit out of their new lives, and their…
I can honestly say - the World Transplant Games' athletes changed my life. Their desire to squeeze every bit out of their new lives, and their…
Liked by Chris Thomas
-
Thanks to all of the NSW cafes that have agreed to spread the word about DonateLife Week this week, by sticking QR codes on their cups, encouraging…
Thanks to all of the NSW cafes that have agreed to spread the word about DonateLife Week this week, by sticking QR codes on their cups, encouraging…
Liked by Chris Thomas
Experience
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Education
-
-
-
-
More activity by Chris
-
Calling all photographers – we want to see your DonateLife Week monument light-up photos! 📸 During DonateLife Week (28 July to 4 August)…
Calling all photographers – we want to see your DonateLife Week monument light-up photos! 📸 During DonateLife Week (28 July to 4 August)…
Liked by Chris Thomas
-
We’re so grateful to OTA advisory board member Oren Klemich for passionately advocating for organ donation. Oren recently spoke to his niece, Olivia…
We’re so grateful to OTA advisory board member Oren Klemich for passionately advocating for organ donation. Oren recently spoke to his niece, Olivia…
Liked by Chris Thomas
-
ASAPD recognises the mental health and wellbeing challenges individuals may face. We've compiled a list of service providers offering confidential…
ASAPD recognises the mental health and wellbeing challenges individuals may face. We've compiled a list of service providers offering confidential…
Liked by Chris Thomas
-
Great to be at the TSANZ Conference this week for the announcement of the expansion of the Transplant Active program #organdonationsaveslives
Great to be at the TSANZ Conference this week for the announcement of the expansion of the Transplant Active program #organdonationsaveslives
Liked by Chris Thomas
-
Former nurse Lucinda Barry AM left working for a Prime Minister to lead Australia’s Organ and Tissue Authority (OTA) as CEO - to drive Australia’s…
Former nurse Lucinda Barry AM left working for a Prime Minister to lead Australia’s Organ and Tissue Authority (OTA) as CEO - to drive Australia’s…
Liked by Chris Thomas
-
An honour to be recognised for service to the community by Hon Natalie Suleyman MP at the Victorian Parliament.
An honour to be recognised for service to the community by Hon Natalie Suleyman MP at the Victorian Parliament.
Liked by Chris Thomas
-
It was a pleasure to chair The Sleep Forum at the Langham Hotel. I extend my heartfelt thanks to ASPEN Pharma for sponsoring this significant event.…
It was a pleasure to chair The Sleep Forum at the Langham Hotel. I extend my heartfelt thanks to ASPEN Pharma for sponsoring this significant event.…
Liked by Chris Thomas
-
At ASAPD, we believe everyone deserves a safe sporting environment. No exceptions. No excuses. #protectsporttogether @asapd| Sport Integrity…
At ASAPD, we believe everyone deserves a safe sporting environment. No exceptions. No excuses. #protectsporttogether @asapd| Sport Integrity…
Liked by Chris Thomas
-
For Dr Helen Szoke AO, growing up with a refugee father means that she now feels an affinity with people and groups who struggle to have their voices…
For Dr Helen Szoke AO, growing up with a refugee father means that she now feels an affinity with people and groups who struggle to have their voices…
Liked by Chris Thomas
-
Following a devastating diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, Paul Beard successfully had a double lung transplant and emerged with a newfound…
Following a devastating diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, Paul Beard successfully had a double lung transplant and emerged with a newfound…
Liked by Chris Thomas
-
Did you know 1 in 3 Aussies were born overseas, and more than 1 in 5 of us speak a language other than English at home? That’s why raising awareness…
Did you know 1 in 3 Aussies were born overseas, and more than 1 in 5 of us speak a language other than English at home? That’s why raising awareness…
Liked by Chris Thomas
-
Happy 10-year work anniversary to our amazing National Medical Director Helen Opdam! 👏 Despite beginning her role in 2014, Helen’s interest in…
Happy 10-year work anniversary to our amazing National Medical Director Helen Opdam! 👏 Despite beginning her role in 2014, Helen’s interest in…
Liked by Chris Thomas
Other similar profiles
Explore collaborative articles
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
Explore MoreOthers named Chris Thomas in Australia
285 others named Chris Thomas in Australia are on LinkedIn
See others named Chris Thomas