IPAA’s ‘On the Couch’ Chief Executive Series are informal Chatham House Rule interview sessions where a high achieving, inspirational individual is informally interviewed by a peer about their public sector ‘journey’, their experiences and why they have chosen their career and current role. Since its inception the IPAA SA ‘On the Couch’ series has acted as the host for a very significant number of former and current public sector leaders.

Sandy Pitcher was informally interviewed by Tony Circelli, Chief Executive, Environment Protection Authority.

Sandy Pitcher commenced as the Chief Executive of the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources in January 2015. Sandy was the Deputy Chief Executive of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet for 5 years. She was responsible for many areas, including the South Australian Cabinet Office, the Economic Analysis Division and the Strategic Engagement and Communications division. In 2012 Sandy was awarded the South Australian Telstra Business Woman of the year for the Community and Public sector category, and went on to win the national title in November 2012. Sandy has worked in London, primarily as the head of Corporate and Parliamentary Affairs in the UK’s Commission for Racial Equality, and has previously worked in Commonwealth public sector roles in Canberra and Sydney. Educated at the University of Adelaide, Sandy has degrees in law and the humanities. She was raised in Mannum.

Learn about our speakers

Sandy Pitcher

Chief Executive
Department of Human Services

Sandy is an accomplished public-sector leader, with experience leading agencies to make significant contributions to public policy and deliver outcomes that improve people’s lives.

As Chief Executive of the South Australian Department of Human Services, Sandy is dedicated to promoting inclusion, independence, community support and modern services. Sandy is Chair of the Motor Accident Commission, a board member of the Institute of Public Administration SA and an active member of International Women’s Forum Australia.

Prior to this role, Sandy has served as Deputy Under Treasurer with the South Australian Department of Treasury and Finance and Deputy Chief Executive at the Department of Premier and Cabinet in South Australia and Victoria.

Sandy was the inaugural Secretary of the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing in Victoria, an agency which includes child protection, housing and homelessness, disability, family safety and women’s policy.
Throughout 2020 Sandy led the Victorian COVID-19 response, returning the state to COVID-19 zero.

Sandy first chief executive role was with the SA Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. She has held executive roles in the SA Department of the Premier and Cabinet, the UK’s Commission for Racial Equality, the South Australian Office for Women, the Commonwealth Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Workplace Gender Equality Agency.

In 2012, Sandy won the Telstra Businesswoman of the year ‘Community and Public Sector’ category, and in 2013 she was inducted as an IPAA National Fellow.

Educated at the University of Adelaide, and Mannum High School, Sandy has degrees in law and the humanities. She is kept busy at home by two children, and an energetic dog, Noodle the Labradoodle.

Event brought to you by

PwC

Date
29 July 2015

Location
PwC 11/70 Franklin Street, Adelaide SA 5000