Jennifer Black, Commissioner
Jennifer Black is an experienced mental health and wellbeing leader with more than 40 years’ experience across Australia and the UK.
Her career spans public mental health services, government, statutory oversight and the community-managed sector. She has led large and complex services, advised governments on mental health policy and reform, and worked closely with people with lived and living experience, families, carers and the sector.
At the core of Jennifer’s work is a genuine desire to create a better mental health system – one that meets people's needs, is truly person-led and supports people to live their best lives. She is particularly interested in shaping organisational culture to lead and sustain change, a focus that has been consistent throughout her career.
Before being appointed to the Commission, in September 2026, Jennifer served as the NSW Mental Health Commissioner. Her previous roles include CEO of the Queensland Alliance for Mental Health, Deputy Mental Health Complaints Commissioner in Victoria and Executive Director of Mental Health and Drugs and Alcohol Services at Barwon Health.
In 2024, Jennifer received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Queensland Mental Health Commission in recognition of her contribution to mental health. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (occupational therapy) and a Masters in Health Management.
Katie Larsen, Deputy Commissioner
Katie Larsen is an experienced executive and lived experience leader with more than 15 years’ experience working across mental health, health and human services. Throughout her career, Katie has championed the integration of lived experience and intersectional perspectives and expertise into governance, policy, service design and workforce development to achieve system reform.
She brings a strong focus on partnership, accountability and evidence in supporting services and systems to be better shaped by the needs and expectations of the communities they serve. Her previous role was as the inaugural Executive Director Lived Experience with Mind Australia.
Katie works from a lived expertise and social justice perspective incorporating lived experiences of personal mental health challenges and LGBTIQ+ identity. Katie is a PhD Candidate at Deakin University researching themes of intersectionality, power and privilege in leadership and decision-making within mainstream mental health services. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (journalism) and Master of Social Work.
Simon McKenzie, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Simon McKenzie is an admitted lawyer with over 20 years of operational, senior management and executive-level experience in the private and not-for-profit sectors.
He also has experience in consumer rights, including at the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman and Public Transport Ombudsman. Simon’s work has contributed to system and service improvement.
Simon is driven by his work, engaging with consumer complaints, people with lived experience, and advocates of those who face barriers to accessing services, education, work and social connection. Simon has experience with the mental health system as a family member and supporter of someone experiencing mental illness.
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