Get to Know MSWA Board Member: Kate Gatti
Welcome to the first instalment of this series, where you can get to know the incredible team at MSWA.
Joining in 2022, Kate is currently a Committee Member of our Audit, Risk and Finance, as well as the Quality and Client Services.
Kate brings a unique insight to the MSWA Board, with over 40 years of experience in the health sector in spanning both clinical and corporate services. She is a registered nurse and is the Executive Director of Clinical Service Planning, Population Health with the South Metropolitan Health Service.
What motivated you to join the MSWA board?
MSWA is an iconic WA name, known for enabling people to live their best lives in the community.
I have worked as a registered nurse and an administrator in the public health system, primarily in hospital settings. Most people I have cared for do not wish to be in hospitals; rather, they prefer to receive the care they need in their own homes and supportive communities. I wanted to contribute, albeit in a small way, to developing a sustainable community and health sector.
How does your clinical and business administration background, set you up for your role as a Board Member?
Alongside my nursing accreditation, I hold several formal qualifications including a Master of Business Administration and am a graduate of the Australian Institute Company Directors.
Most of my learning has come from working in the public health sector in the Perth metro and regional WA for more than 40 years. I have significant experience in managing both clinical and corporate services.
My current work portfolio has both a service delivery arm, managing the publicly operated community services in Perth metro, and a corporate arm, including strategy and planning, human resource management, industrial relations and work health and safety for a workforce of over 11,000.
What is your favourite memory or achievement as part of the MSWA Board?
As a relative newbie to the MSWA family, I’m unsure if I can yet claim to have significantly contributed to achievements as a Board member. However, it has been a pleasure to gain a better understanding of the business and to view the risks and opportunities through the refined reporting and information provided by a competent executive team.
When you have time off, what would we find you doing?
As a farm girl at heart with a background in zoology, I often retreat to nature, enjoying hiking and the great outdoors. I particularly enjoy volunteering and spend my time monitoring the various sea turtle populations nesting on Pilbara islands.
Most Sundays, I’m the fourth player joining my parents for a game of Bridge. It’s quite frustrating that my mum, at 88, still manages to remember every card that hits the table, and after a long day of play, she can still redeal an interesting hand to bid.
I have three children who all live nearby and three beautiful grandchildren, which keep me busy and bring me great joy.
If you could imagine one thing for MSWA in 10 years, what would it be?
Preventing MS! Of course, I would love a cure or at least to minimise the progression of MS but to prevent it - wouldn’t that be wonderful!
I am a strong advocate for investment into research and proud to be a part of an organisation that values research investment.
