AAMRI Staff

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Dr Saraid Billiards – CEO

Saraid joined AAMRI in August 2022, previously a Director in the Health and Medical Research Office at the Australian Government’s Department of Health. Her past experience working at the National Health and Medical Research Council gives her direct experience working in Australia’s largest funding agencies. Saraid oversees all aspects of AAMRI, including operations, government and stakeholder relations, member services, and medical research policy and strategy.

Frances Bell – Executive Officer AAMRI WA

Frances joined AAMRI WA in January 2021, following an 18-year career in journalism with ABC News. She has extensive experience in communications, policy and government engagement, having reported on state and federal politics in Perth, Melbourne and Canberra. Frances is responsible for coordinating the activities of AAMRI WA, including government and stakeholder relations, policy submissions, strategic projects and facilitating collaboration.

Michelle Marven – Executive Officer AAMRI VIC

Michelle joined AAMRI VIC in October 2022. She has over 25 years’ experience in the Australian health and not for profit sectors and has expertise in stakeholder engagement, policy and advocacy, member services, strategic projects, and communications. Michelle is responsible for the activities of AAMRI VIC including strategic project management, government and stakeholder relations, policy and strategy, member engagement, and collaboration and networking.

Kathryn Naumenko – Member Services and Events Manager

Kathryn joined AAMRI in September 2015 and has managed a variety of successful high profile, large scale, in-person and online events in that time. As AAMRI’s Member Services & Events Manager, Kathryn organises all AAMRI events, including the AAMRI Annual Convention & Dinner and takes the lead with AAMRI’s member relations.

Aimee Sanderson – Communications, Advocacy and Policy Director

Aimee joined AAMRI in April 2018, having previously worked with a variety of medical research institutes, government and not-for-profit organisations in Australia and the UK. She brings a wealth of knowledge to the role including medical research policy and advocacy, communications strategy, and stakeholder engagement. Aimee is responsible for setting the direction for AAMRI’s communications and advocacy strategies, working towards influencing medical research policy.

Claire Smoorenburg – Media and Communications Manager

Claire joined AAMRI in August 2022, having worked in the medical research, biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. She holds a background in science and professional communications. Claire is responsible for AAMRI’s media relations and a number of its public-facing communication channels, as well as strategy and campaigns to promote the impact of AAMRI and its member institutes.

Katie Rizzo – Digital Engagement Manager

Profile photo of Katie Rizzo

Katie joined AAMRI in February 2023. She was previously employed at a Federally-funded Cooperative Research Centre managing the Communications and Education function, in addition to working across the transport, banking and utility sectors in a variety of corporate communication positions. She is focused on delivering improvements to AAMRI’s online presence, supporting key AAMRI-wide projects and campaigns, and managing AAMRI’s brand and e-news.

Jess Kraemer – Administrative Officer

Jess joined AAMRI in July 2023 after working in customer service across the US, Scotland and Australia. She is responsible for administrative and events support for the AAMRI team, including the management of AAMRI’s member databases and network contact lists.