Mr Power is Chairman of Perth Airport and Chairman of the Foundation for the WA Museum and held the position of Managing Director and CEO of Fortescue Metals Group Ltd for 7 years, having joined the group in 2011. In 2016 he was named WA Business Leader of the Year. He was also recently appointed to the Board of Strike Energy. Nev has a strong history in agribusiness and aviation and holds both fixed wing and rotary commercial pilot licenses.

Mr Power is an advocate for health and development of regional and aboriginal communities, and he owns and operates a cattle station in western Queensland where he was born and raised. He lives in Western Australia and is one of three independent board members on the Federation Board.

“I am delighted to take up this appointment with one of Australia’s most iconic and trusted services. I am passionate about the health of Australian’s living in rural and remote communities and, working with all members of the Federation, will do all I can to improve health outcomes for people living a long way from our capital cities,” said Mr Power”

Mr Power also paid tribute to outgoing Federation Chair, Ms Amanda Vanstone AO.

“Ms Vanstone leaves us a great legacy after 6 years as voluntary Federation Chair, and we are grateful that her work leaves us well positioned for our next chapter. Ms Vanstone has been instrumental in our strategic accomplishments and has seen the RFDS become more cohesive, collegiate, efficient and effective as a federation of companies delivering vital health services across Australia. She is thanked for her tireless energy, determination and acumen over the past 6 years.

The Federation Board is also pleased to announce that Dr John O’Donnell AM has accepted appointment as Deputy Chair. Dr O’Donnell has a distinguished career in leadership of public and private hospitals and health services across Australia, and in medical research institutes. Dr O’Donnell has extensive experience in the governance and delivery of high-quality health services. John was CEO of the Mater group of hospitals in Brisbane for 15 years, and now is a director of a range of health care related companies. “I look forward to serving such a dynamic and vital organisation, and to working with all our members to achieve the best possible health outcomes for Australians living in regional and remote Australia.”