The Council of Deans of Nursing and Midwifery (Australia and New Zealand) (CDNM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Rachel Yates as Chief Executive Officer, effective November 2024.

Ms Yates is an accomplished policy and advocacy professional with a track record of successful member engagement, policy influence and organisational development.

Across her notable career, Ms Yates has held a number of prominent roles. As Policy Director Health and Workforce at Universities Australia, she has led significant, successful advocacy efforts in health and education reform. She also brings a wealth of experience from her leadership roles at Gidgee Healing (Mt. Isa Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service), the Australian Medicare Local Alliance, and the Australian General Practice Network.

Ms Yates is dedicated to improving health workforce outcomes and is a strong advocate for the critical intersection between education, research and health care service delivery. Her commitment to policy development and strategic leadership will be instrumental in advancing the nursing and midwifery professions across Australia and New Zealand.

In expressing her enthusiasm for the role, Ms Yates stated, “I'm delighted to be appointed to this role. I look forward to working with all involved with CDNM - to progress nursing and midwifery education and research and to enhance the development of this essential workforce.”

CDNM is excited to welcome Ms Yates and looks forward to her leadership in furthering its mission of advancing nursing and midwifery education, research and practice.

About the CDNM

The Council of Deans of Nursing and Midwifery (Australia & New Zealand) (CDNM) is the peak organisation that represents universities that offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs in nursing and midwifery throughout Australia and New Zealand.