Our Leadership Team
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Stephanie Buckland BS, MBA
Chief Executive Officer
Stephanie Buckland joined Amana Living in 2016 with a background in leadership, marketing and product management. Since joining the organisation, she has worked with the board and senior management team to initiate a program of change and transformation to bring Amana Living closer to its customers. Significant initiatives include the Dedicated Staffing Model, implemented in all residential care centres; the launch of the Amana Living Training Institute; the acquisition of Meadow Springs retirement village in Mandurah; and taking over delivery of CHSP in the Cities of Wanneroo and Fremantle, which added 700 new clients to Amana Living’s home care services.
Prior to joining Amana Living, Stephanie was CEO of Tourism WA for six years. Earlier in her career, she held senior marketing roles with BankWest and Pfizer Consumer Healthcare in the USA and Australia.
Stephanie is a Director of Anglicare Australia. Stephanie has a Bachelors degree in Marketing from the Pennsylvania State University and a Master in Business Administration from the University of Virginia.
Lee Watson MA, FCCA, GAICD
Chief Financial Officer
Lee has more than 10 years’ experience as a chief financial officer leading multi-disciplinary functions with a proven track record in leading change and improving business performance, including in the aged care sector.
He is a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA), and the Institute of Public Accountants (FIPA), holds a master’s degree in leadership and change, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). He also holds a directorship in the not-for-profit sector.
Stephen Thomas BCom
Chief People Officer
Stephen re-joined Amana Living in December 2020 as General Manager People and Culture, following a previous tenure leading the Human Resources Team.
Stephen has held a variety of people and culture leadership roles in the acute care, aged care and disability sectors over the past 15 years and has extensive experience across health and human service sectors. Stephen is skilled in developing and implementing people related strategy and HR management across all aspects of the employee lifecycle.
Stephen holds a Bachelor of Commerce with a double major in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations.
Jenny Williams BA, GAICD
Chief Operating Officer
Jenny joined Amana Living in 2012 as General Manager Human Resources and took up the Home Care & Housing portfolio in January 2017. In 2021, Jenny acquired the residential care portfolio and was appointed the Chief Operating Officer of Amana Living.
Jenny has held senior leadership roles in a range of industries including construction, finance, and aged care. Jenny has developed extensive experience in all aspects of HR strategy and best practice supported by sound business principals. Jenny is a member of the Aged and Community Services Australia's Community Care Committee and sits on the Property Council of WA’s Retirement Living Committee.
Jenny has a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Psychology and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Rita Sheridan BBus
Chief Property and Retirement Living Officer
Rita re-joined Amana Living in February 2022 as General Manager Property and Retirement Living, following a previous brief tenure leading the Property Team in 2017.
Rita has spent more than 14 years in the aged care sector and has a significant record of successful completion of major capital developments in both residential aged care and retirement living. Rita’s career also includes management of housing and property services portfolios.
Prior to joining Amana Living, Rita was Chief Development and Property Officer with Estia Health in Sydney overseeing its portfolio.
Rita holds a Bachelor of Business and is a member of the Property Council of WA’s Retirement Living Committee.
Gretta Wallis BN
General Manager, Health Care Quality
On completing her nursing and midwifery qualifications in the United Kingdom, Gretta embarked on a long and successful career in health care in the UK and Western Australia.
She joined Amana Living in 2016, bringing with her extensive experience in project management, clinical governance, change management, and leadership in the acute care sector. She had successfully led services through accreditation with the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards.
Gretta is committed to person-centred care and sound clinical governance to ensure effective clinical and care outcomes are achieved for clients and residents, and align with Amana Living’s Vision, Mission and Values.
Revd Jeni Goring BA, BSOCWK, BD
Senior Chaplain
Jeni is our Senior Chaplain and leads our Chaplaincy team.
As well as her responsibilities as Chaplain to our care centre and housing residents, Jeni supports our home care and transition care clients.
Michael Donnelly
General Manager, Residential Care
Michael joined Amana Living in 2023 as General Manager of Residential Care.
Before Amana Living, Michael was the General Manager of Residential and Home Care at Amaroo. Here, Michael skilfully guided his team through the challenges posed by COVID, streamlined operations through reaccreditations and software implementations, optimised staffing through roster reviews, and exceeded Minimum Care Targets (MCT).
Michael has also served as the Director of Compliance at the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, further enhancing his expertise in the public and emergency services domains.
Deb Whitelock
General Manager, Home Care
Deb joined Amana Living in 2015 and has held senior operational roles for over six years and moved to the role as Head of Home Care operations in November 2021. Deb has over 15 years’ experience in the aged care and disability sectors.
Deb has been instrumental to lead the home care team through legislative changes whilst ensuring an exceptional team culture.
Deb has a strong commitment to represent the home care sector at a state and national level to ensure older people have access to receive quality care and services.