After 10 years of service on the NORTH Foundation Board, Penny Williams is stepping down, leaving behind a legacy of thoughtful leadership, strategic growth and unwavering commitment to improving healthcare and medical research across Northern Sydney.
When Penny joined the Board in 2016, the organisation was known as the Kolling Foundation and looked very different from the NORTH Foundation we know today.
“I thought it was remarkable that we had such incredible medical and research facilities on our doorstep, yet so few people knew about them,” Penny said. “It was an honour to be part of helping improve healthcare and research for our community.”
In those early days, the foundation was a much smaller organisation, operating with a small team and a grassroots approach to fundraising. Penny remembers a highly engaged Board focused on building trust, awareness and support across the Northern Sydney Local Health District.
Over the past decade, she has witnessed extraordinary growth. One of the most significant milestones was the transition from the Kolling Foundation to the NORTH Foundation, a transformation she describes as “the birth of an organisation”.
“It felt like a startup,” she said. “It was exciting to see a new vision come to life and then watch the organisation go from strength to strength.”
Penny also reflects proudly on the appointment of CEO Gilbert Lorquet in 2018 and the strategic evolution that followed, helping to drive increased fundraising, stronger community awareness and greater impact across the district.
While the organisation’s growth stands out, some of Penny’s most rewarding experiences came from meeting the people behind the work.
“I’ve loved meeting clinicians and hearing about the incredible research projects and programs being delivered across the district,” she said. “Those opportunities have been incredibly rewarding and educational.”
A particular highlight was attending the P.A.R.T.Y. Program, an injury prevention initiative for young people.
“That was outstanding,” Penny said. “It’s a program I continue to advocate for because of the difference it makes.”
Beyond the achievements, Penny values the relationships she built along the way. She speaks fondly of the diverse mix of skills, experiences and perspectives around the Board table, and the opportunity to contribute to the organisation’s long-term direction through strategic planning and governance.
She has also seen the Board’s role evolve significantly over time.
“In the early days, it was very operational,” she said. “Now it’s much more strategic, focused on governance, oversight, advice and connections. It’s been wonderful to be part of that evolution.”
Looking ahead, Penny is optimistic about the future.
“The more people understand the difference the NORTH Foundation makes to healthcare and medical research, the stronger the organisation will become,” she said. “I’m excited to see what comes next.”
Reflecting on Penny’s decade of service, Board Chair Michael Ellies thanked her for the significant contribution she has made to the organisation’s growth and success.
“Penny has been an outstanding Board member whose dedication, insight and commitment have helped shape the NORTH Foundation into the organisation it is today. Throughout a decade of service, she has provided thoughtful guidance, asked the right questions and consistently championed our mission to improve healthcare and medical research across Northern Sydney. Penny’s collaborative approach, generosity and passion for community impact have made her a highly respected member of the Board, and we are deeply grateful for her contribution.”
NORTH Foundation CEO Gilbert Lorquet said Penny’s impact extends far beyond governance.
“Penny has brought wisdom, curiosity and an unwavering commitment to our mission over the past 10 years. She has been a trusted adviser, a champion for healthcare and research, and a wonderful supporter of our team. Her willingness to build connections, ask thoughtful questions and advocate for our cause has helped shape the organisation we are today. We are enormously grateful for her service and friendship, and she will always be part of the NORTH Foundation family.”
As she departs, Penny’s message to staff, volunteers, supporters and fellow Board members is simple: thank you.
“It’s been an absolute honour and privilege to be part of the NORTH Foundation. I’ve learned so much, built wonderful relationships and been grateful for the opportunity to give back to a health district that has given so much to my family.”
Thank you, Penny, for a decade of leadership, passion and service. Your contribution has helped shape the NORTH Foundation into the organisation it is today, and your support for healthcare and medical research across Northern Sydney will have a lasting impact for years to come.
