IPAA SA, in collaboration with the Adelaide Women’s Collective, continues its conversation series exploring the questions often left unspoken around leadership, confidence and career progression.

This session will feature Sandy Pitcher, Chief Executive of the Department of Human Services, who will share reflections on her leadership journey across the public sector and the experiences that have shaped her approach to leadership.

Designed for senior and emerging female leaders across South Australia’s public sector, the series creates a space for open and honest discussion about building influence, navigating challenges and leading with confidence in complex environments.

Each session features a senior South Australian Government executive sharing candid reflections, practical insights and lessons learned throughout their career. Authentic dialogue is encouraged, creating space for the conversations we do not always have but often need.

During this conversation, Sandy will explore leadership, resilience and navigating change, drawing on a career spanning senior roles across South Australia, Victoria, the Commonwealth and the United Kingdom. She will share insights from leading complex public sector organisations and navigating periods of significant change and reform, offering practical reflections on building influence, leading through complexity and creating meaningful impact.

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

IPAA SA
Adelaide Women’s Collective

Date
Thursday, 22 October

Time
Registrations: 3:30PM
Event: 4:00PM - 5:00PM
Networking & Drinks: 5:00PM - 5:30PM

Inclusions
Light refreshments

Location
Aurora Skydeck
147 Pirie St, Adelaide SA 5000

Costs
Free for all State Government
Corporate and Personal Members of IPAA SA

$95 for non-members (upgrade to membership for $189 and enjoy ongoing event access)

Register Here