Executive team
Professor Buchanan studied Nursing at Curtin University of Technology and an MBA in Health Services at Edith Cowan University. She also holds a PhD and a range of qualifications including governance qualifications from the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).
Professor Buchanan commenced her career as a Registered Nurse with clinical work in neuroscience, and has worked in health, academia, local government and the voluntary sector.
She is an Honorary Professor of Practice at the School of Health and Society (Public Health) at the University of Wollongong and is an Adjunct Professor in Dementia & Health Policy at Curtin University. Prof Buchanan is active in public health research and practice.
In 2011, Professor Buchanan won the Leading Wales Award for the not-for-profit sector and was admitted as a Member of the Faculty of Public Health by Distinction for her contribution to Public Health in the UK. In 2023, she was awarded the University of Wollongong Alumni Award for Social Impact.
Anthony is currently the Chief Operating Officer for Dementia Australia, having been with the organisation for close to five years. Anthony’s roles before this cover over twenty years’ experience in the not-for-profit sector, having worked for organisations providing services in the disability, home nursing, home aged care support and residential aged care sectors. Prior to his involvement in the not-for-profit space, Anthony had a number of roles in the commercial sector covering transport, service industries and travel.
Anthony is a member of CPA Australia and holds a Master of Business Management. Currently Anthony is a Board member of Palliative Care South East and Windana Drug & Alcohol Recovery.
Eliza brings more than 25 years of senior leadership experience in the federal public service, with a strong track record in health, aged care, disability, and childcare policy and program design.
She has held pivotal roles including Assistant Secretary, Emergency Preparedness and Response, collaborating with states and territory governments to manage the aged care response to COVID-19.
In the Department of Health and Aged Care, she led expansion of dementia services and supports in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and the design and implementation of the Specialist Dementia Care Program. As Assistant Secretary of the Dementia, Diversity and Design Branch she guided development of the National Dementia Action Plan 2024-2034 endorsed by the Commonwealth and all State and Territory Governments.
Prior to joining Dementia Australia, Eliza was Branch Manager of Codesign at the National Disability Insurance Agency, championing the inclusion of lived experience in shaping NDIS reforms.
Her career is marked by a commitment to evidence-based policy, stakeholder engagement, and delivering innovative solutions to complex services system challenges. Eliza is passionate about improving the lives of people impacted by dementia and is dedicated to ensuring that Government policies and programs reflect and address their needs.
Eliza holds bachelor’s degrees in arts and science from the Australian National University, a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration, and a Graduate Diploma in Counselling from the University of New England.
Scott joined Dementia Australia in June 2026 and brings extensive experience across both the not-for-profit and private sectors, with a strong track record in leading people and culture functions in purpose-driven organisations.
He plays a key role in continuing to build the organisational capability to support our purpose and help ensure Dementia Australia is a great place to work and volunteer across the country.
Kimberley brings to Dementia Australia a wealth of expertise in brand management, PR, communications, digital and direct marketing, corporate affairs, community engagement and media.
Throughout her career, Kimberley has consistently aligned herself with values-driven organisations, holding key executive roles at well-known member-based organisations including RACQ, QSuper and Queensland Teachers Mutual Bank.
She has successfully led large, multi-disciplinary teams, developed and executed integrated brand campaigns, and driven significant revenue growth while maintaining a strong focus on customer experience and social value.
Kimberley is a respected leader and skilled change agent, known for her strategic thinking, innovative approaches to digital and direct marketing, and her ability to foster high performing, engaged teams.
Dr Kaele Stokes is Executive Director Services, Engagement and Research at Dementia Australia.
Her portfolios span all of Dementia Australia’s client-facing services as well as those parts of the organisation that deliver community development, engagement and research activities. After almost 20 years’ experience in the health and ageing sectors, Kaele is passionate about quality service delivery that meets the needs of people impacted by dementia, as well as elevating the voice of people living with dementia, their families and carers through a wide range of consumer engagement activities. She is also committed to building community awareness through dementia-friendly community initiatives and supporting international and national dementia research, with a particular focus on translating research into practice.
Kaele has held a number of roles at Dementia Australia and its precursor Victorian organisation and she also has a background in retirement living and aged care, having previously worked in the areas of policy, strategy and new service development for an organisation that focused on individual and community wellbeing.
Prior to this work, Kaele completed an M.Phil and PhD in history at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom as well as working as an editorial assistant in Belgium and running her own grant writing consultancy.