
RN, MMgt, FACN, FCHSM (HON), Wharton Fellow, FAICD
From humble beginnings, Kylie has gone on to become one of the most influential professional health leaders in the country and a formidable, passionate advocate for the advancement of the nursing profession, including the delivery of excellence in education.
Kylie’s strengths lie in breaking down the walls, reframing the issue for fresh thinking, and bringing people together to create long-lasting solutions.
Kylie currently serves as CEO of the Australian College of Nursing and CEO of the Australian College of Nursing Foundation. She has led a program of transformation, including raising awareness of the profession and building a legacy of nursing leadership, policy, advocacy, and social impact, as well as creating hundreds of leadership and representation positions for nurses Australia-wide. As such, ACN is now Australia’s beacon for Nurse Leadership.
Adjunct Professor Ward is inspired to ensure nurses from all backgrounds have access to world-class education at all stages of their career. She believes ongoing education is key to nurses working to their full scope of practice, contributing to the design of health systems and providing consumers with optimal care every time.
Adjunct Professor Ward holds honorary professorships with seven leading Australian universities and has been awarded several fellowships, including a Wharton Fellowship, USA.
In 2023, Kylie was awarded a Commendation from the Chief of the Defence Force for her exceptional devotion to military nurses and for raising the statue of Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkel at the Australian War Memorial.
Kylie is a multi-award winner. In 2022, Kylie was named National Winner of Executive / Team Leader of the Year and Overall National Winner at the Outstanding Leadership Awards. The same year, Kylie was named the ACT Winner of the Excellence in Women’s Leadership Awards by Women and Leadership Australia. She has been named Telstra ACT Businesswoman of the Year for Purpose and Social Enterprise.