New South Wales Advisory Board

The National Heart Foundation of Australia values the commitment of the New South Wales Advisory Board, which forms an essential component of our national arrangements, allowing the Heart Foundation to connect strategy, local community engagement and external stakeholder expertise.

Mr James L’Estrange (Chair)

Jim L'Estrange is a well-respected and high achieving CEO and Board Director with extensive experience in strategy, people leadership and commercial management in for-purpose charities, banking, sporting administration and entertainment sectors.

Jim is currently the Chair of the NSW Advisory Board for the National Heart Foundation. He was previously the CEO of Cancer Council NSW, where he led a significant cultural change program to ensure a more commercial focus supported by implementation of strong business practices across the organisation and increasing sustainable fundraising income. The development of a clear vision, mission and values underpinned a stronger performance and development-focused culture, supporting a clear strategic intent and achievement of organisational priorities to bring the defeat of cancer closer.

Jim has also been CEO of the NSW Waratahs and NSW Rugby Union, and has held leadership roles at Westpac, Citibank and Star Entertainment. Jim has a very strong commitment to support 'for-purpose' organisations, and uses his commercial skills and experiences to strengthen the mission. He has mentored a number of people in executive and leadership roles.

Ms Michelle Hampton

Michelle Hampton is a senior marketing professional and business woman, who founded one of Australia’s leading marketing agencies. After selling her business late last year, Michelle invested in WiredCo and is now a Managing Partner. WiredCo. is one of Australia’s fastest growing digital marketing agencies. Michelle is also an investor in Sia baby; a start-up business in the baby carrier space. Michelle isn’t your typical ‘entrepreneur’, in fact she really hates it when people call her that. Michelle’s belief is that your purpose in life should be to follow your passions. Making money will happen if you find what you’re passionate about.

Michelle has been part of winning several marketing industry awards including Golden Target Awards, Silver Spikes for outstanding PR work, CommsCon Campaign of the Year, Agency of the Year and more. Michelle is also a regular judge in industry awards programs and was a guest speaker at marketing conferences.

After experiencing a major cardiac event in 2017, Michelle joined the Heart Foundation’s NSW LAB to help raise awareness and early detection of congenital heart diseases.

Mr Kiel Hennessey 

Mr Kiel Hennessey is the Manager, Manager Aboriginal Chronic Conditions Network, Primary Care & Chronic Services, Agency for Clinical Innovation, NSW Department of Health.

A/Prof Raj Puranik 

Professor Raj Puranik is a consultant cardiologist at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. Raj is also a consultant at Children's Hospital Westmead, where he runs the cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging program for infants and young children. Raj set up the first ever cardiac clinic at Redfern Aboriginal Medical Service over 10 years ago.

Raj runs a research program at the University of Sydney focussing on minimising invasive tests for heart disease and evaluating the role of cardiac MRI in congenital and acquired heart disease. He has published over 100 papers, mentored over 40 research students and has an. ongoing commitment to medical education. Raj has recently been appointed Clinical Practice Advisor and become a board member of CSANZ.

Mr Matthew O’Donnell

Matt is an Adviser and Partner at Koda Capital in Sydney. Matt has a Bachelor of Economics, a Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance and an MBA from the Macquarie Graduate School of Management. Matt has worked with several financial and investment organisations over the past 25 years and brings broad financial and investment skills. Matt is also a former Board Member of the NSW Heart Foundation.

Mr Andrew Best 

Mr Andrew Best is a Former Managing Director of JP Morgan. Andrew is a long-time supporter of the Heart Foundation and a committed member of the NSW Advisory Board.

Ms Rowena Newman

Rowena Newman is an experienced senior marketing professional, currently employed by Publicis Groupe as the head of Media Intelligence for Australia and New Zealand. Over the past 25 years Rowena has lead the marketing of large OTC healthcare brands in global markets including Australia, the USA and the UK and Europe. After graduating from the University of Sydney with a BSc. Hons1 in Microbiology and a double major in Microbiology and Biochemistry, Rowena’s passion has always been around making science accessible for all. Rowena is on the Council for the Women’s College within the University of Sydney where she also leads the marketing committee.

Rowena has been a vocal advocate for the Heart Foundation since surviving a sudden cardiac arrest and being diagnosed with coronary artery disease in 2020. When it comes to cardiac rehabilitation, Rowena walks the talk, crediting the cardiac rehabilitation program with getting her back on her feet, Rowena has completed Coastrek for the past several years. Rowena coaches several netball teams and is committed to helping keep teenage girls playing social sport, with all the benefits that brings.