Can Too Foundation is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr Antoine van Oijen as Board Chair, alongside three outstanding Non-Executive Directors: Caroline Purtell, Tracey Fromow, and Mel Ware.
Dr Antoine van Oijen is a world-leading researcher working at the intersection of medicine, physics, and chemistry, with major research programs at Harvard Medical School, the University of Groningen, and the University of Wollongong. He is currently Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Enterprise) at the University of Sydney. A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Antoine brings exceptional expertise in translating scientific discovery into real-world health impact. He has been on the Can Too Foundation board since July 2024 and was Chair of the Research Committee. Antoine takes over the Chair role from Mark Dagworthy, who stepped down from the Board after two years. We are grateful for Mark’s contributions to the Foundation.
"I am deeply privileged to chair this fantastic organisation. CanToo sits at a truly unique intersection of community, fitness and purpose, and I look forward to working alongside a remarkable team to drive even greater impact for early and emerging cancer researchers and the communities we serve."
- Dr Antoine van Oijen, CanToo Board Chair
Caroline Purtell brings a distinguished legal and governance background across financial services and not-for-profit sectors, with a career spanning top-tier firms Mallesons and Clifford Chance, senior company secretarial roles, and board directorships including Australia's first ASX-listed solar infrastructure business. A committed runner and triathlete, Caroline has completed six Abbott World Major Marathons, over 28 City2Surfs, and seven Noosa Triathlons - and her commitment to CanToo's mission is both personal and professional.
Tracey Fromow is a senior executive with more than 20 years' experience in the pharmaceutical sector, with deep expertise in oncology and women's health, governance, strategy and transformation. A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Tracey is also a qualified triathlon coach who has represented New Zealand at the Triathlon World Championships and completed five marathons - bringing first-hand knowledge of the role fitness and community play in health outcomes.
Mel Ware is an experienced senior executive with deep expertise in marketing, brand, customer experience and transformation across financial services and insurance. A past CanToo participant herself, Mel brings a strong personal connection to the Foundation and a genuine passion for purpose-driven organisations that promote wellbeing and long-term health.
"I am grateful to Antoine and his leadership as he steps into Chair of the Foundation. I am so pleased to welcome three outstanding Board Directors to Can Too Foundation. Caroline, Tracey and Mel each bring extraordinary depth of experience, and together they will significantly strengthen our governance, our strategy and our ability to deliver on our mission for years to come."
- Lisa Hresc, Can Too Foundation CEO
We warmly welcome Caroline, Tracey and Mel to the CanToo Board and look forward to the expertise, energy and passion they bring to our community. You can find out more about our Board members here: cantoo.org.au/our-board
