about

Donna O'Hara

Chief Operating Officer, The Kids Research Institute Australia

Donna O’Hara is the Chief Operating Officer of The Kids Research Institute Australia, where they are responsible for a broad portfolio of operational and management functions. They lead key corporate and enabling services, manage significant contractual arrangements, play a central role in enterprise risk management, and work closely with the Executive team to help shape and deliver organisational strategy.

Donna brings more than 15 years of executive experience across the health, education, and community sectors, with strong commercial acumen and deep operational expertise in healthcare and nursing. Over the course of their career, they have led corporate services, community engagement, and employee services for large and complex organisations, building a reputation for practical leadership, sound judgement, and delivery in environments that require both strategic oversight and operational discipline.

At The Kids, Donna leads a dynamic team responsible for the Institute’s operational platform, including its research facilities based at Perth Children’s Hospital, as well as critical functions such as human resources, ICT/security, and the Bioresources Facility. They have a pivotal role in strengthening operational effectiveness, enhancing risk management practices, and driving strategic initiatives that support the Institute’s mission to improve child health through research, innovation, and impact.

Donna is recognised for their ability to bring together strategy, governance, risk, and operations in a practical and cohesive way. Their leadership style combines executive-level oversight with a strong focus on implementation, helping organisations translate complex priorities into clear direction, disciplined delivery, and sustainable outcomes.