After almost a decade of service to Neami National, Ruth Faulkner has retired from the Neami Board and the role of Board Chair. Current Vice Chair Dr Shaymaa Elkadi has been appointed as Neami’s new Board Chair.
Ruth joined the Neami Board in March 2017 and was elected Chair in 2023. She also served on the Strategy and Futures Committee, the Nominations and Remuneration Committee and was Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.
To these roles, Ruth brought more than 25 years’ experience across the not-for-profit, government and commercial sectors, with extensive expertise in governance, finance, audit and risk. She also brought an important regional, rural and remote perspective to discussions about mental health care.
Reflecting on what drew her to Neami, Ruth said, “What initially attracted me to Neami was the organisation’s belief that those with mental health issues could take control of their lives and be the best version of themselves. I felt I could add an often overlooked regional, rural and remote perspective of mental healthcare to the discussions at the board table.”
Neami National CEO Tom Dalton acknowledged Ruth’s significant impact, “Ruth’s contribution to Neami has been significant. Throughout her time as a Board member and Chair, she has led with integrity, thoughtfulness and a deep commitment to our purpose and values. There are so many of us at senior levels who have learnt from her over her time on the board.
“Her experience, perspective and genuine belief in the work we do have helped guide Neami through an important period of growth and change. We are incredibly grateful for Ruth’s leadership and the lasting contribution she has made to Neami, our people and the communities we serve.”
Welcoming Dr Shaymaa Elkadi as Board Chair
Dr Shaymaa Elkadi has been appointed to role of Board Chair following Ruth’s retirement.
Shaymaa joined the Neami Board in July 2022 and was elected Vice Chair in 2024. A skilled strategist with more than 15 years’ experience leading organisational and service transformation and reform, Shaymaa has also chaired Neami’s Strategy and Futures Committee and served on the Quality, Safety and Clinical Governance Committee and Finance and Performance Committee.
Reflecting on what motivates her work with Neami, Shaymaa said, “To be part of a debate, decision or point of advocacy that has the potential to change the life experience of the most vulnerable even if for only one person, is a great privilege.”
Tom welcomed Shaymaa’s appointment and the experience and perspective she brings to the role.
“We warmly welcome Dr Shaymaa Elkadi as Neami’s new Board Chair. Shaymaa brings deep experience in transformation and reform, a strong commitment to our purpose and a clear understanding of the systems and structures that shape people’s lives.
“Having already made a significant contribution as Vice Chair and across our Board committees, Shaymaa brings valuable continuity as well as fresh thinking to the role. I look forward to working alongside her as we continue to strengthen Neami’s impact for the people and communities we serve.”