Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia Welcomes New CEO 

National patient support organisation and registered charity Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia welcomes a new CEO, following an extensive search. Sarah Emery has been appointed to replace Maria Said AM, who announced her intention to step aside as CEO and move into a new senior role within the organisation in July 2025. 

Sarah brings a wealth of experience and business acumen to the role. Most recently, she was Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Assistance Dogs Australia, where she led an ambitious transformation plan that expanded advocacy efforts, diversified funding and significantly increased the number of clients able to access life-changing services.   

Sarah offers more than 14 years’ leadership experience in health-focused organisations, both commercial and not-for-profit. Throughout her career she has led multidisciplinary teams through complex change and growth; building stronger organisations that deliver greater reach and real outcomes for those that they serve. 

Michael Linehan, Chair of Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia, says, “We are very pleased to appoint Sarah Emery as CEO of Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia. Sarah’s leadership experience and her values-driven approach will build on Maria Said’s remarkable legacy and ensure the organisation continues to grow its reach, strengthen its voice, and improve the lives of Australians living with allergic disease.” 

Sarah holds an MBA from Deakin University and has undertaken extensive professional development over the course of her career.  She began her career as a trained veterinary nurse before moving into senior leadership roles across the healthcare sector. 

She has a deep understanding of the for-purpose sector and served on the board of the Illawarra Suicide Prevention Awareness Network as executive chairperson for four years. 

“While my career has spanned both animal health and human health sectors, the common thread has always been improving outcomes for people,” Sarah says. “I bring a values-led, people first leadership style that prioritises collaboration, trust, clear communication and accountability.”  

Sarah has seen firsthand the complexities and challenges of living with allergic disease, as a close friend’s daughter is at risk of anaphylaxis to tree nuts. “I’ve witnessed the constant care, advocacy and vigilance that living with allergic disease requires,” she says. “It’s made me appreciate first-hand the unique role A&AA plays and could play for so many Australians, and being able to contribute to this impact excites me.” 

After 26 years at the helm, Maria Said is, following a period of transition, stepping into a newly created senior role that will allow her to focus on advocacy and stakeholder relationships. “I’m looking forward to sharing everything I’ve learned with Sarah and to working with her in this exciting time of growth for our organisation,” Maria says.