Sheena McDonnell has been appointed as NCA’s new chair, effective from June 1, 2025.
She joins the NCA from Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust where she was their chair.
With a wide range of experience from both the public and private sectors, Sheena was also a non-executive director on the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board.
She succeeds Eileen Fairhurst who stepped down as NCA chair in October 2024. Professor Dame Robina Shah DBE has led the trust’s board as interim chair over the past six months.
Sheena said: “I’m delighted to be joining NCA as chair and I’m looking forward to meeting patients and colleagues in the coming months. Although this is a challenging time for the NHS, I know that there are many opportunities to come and I’m looking forward to playing my part.
“By facing opportunities and challenges head on as a board, we will create better days at work for our colleagues and consistent, quality of care for our patients.”
Chief Executive Officer, Dr Owen Williams said: “Sheena brings a wealth of experience and understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the NHS today. Her vision and values align perfectly with ours and I’m looking forward to working with her.”
“I would also like to thank Professor Dame Robina Shah DBE for the Board leadership she has shown over the past six months as Interim Chair. Her approach has strengthened board discussions, and her time spent with colleagues, patients and the council of governors has reinforced the importance of collaborative working and compassionate care. Her contribution has made a real difference to how we work together and serve our communities."
The appointment was made following a competitive recruitment process involving representatives from the NCA’s Council of Governors as well as NHS England and Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board colleagues.