Lisa hails from Rotuma and Fiji and has over 18 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. Her extensive leadership background includes being a Partner at Deloitte NZ, the largest professional services firm in the world, making her only the second Pacific woman appointed into the position. She also established Deloitte’s Pasifika Services Team, ‘Pås Peau’.

“I’ve always wanted to work in a Pacific organisation. It’s one thing to engage with Pacific work in a mainstream setting where it isn’t always the main focus, so joining PMA allows me to concentrate solely on Pacific families and communities.

“I’m really excited about implementing new strategies and seeing projects through from start to finish. My experience at Deloitte has equipped me with skills that I’m eager to apply in a Pacific context.”

Lisa envisions PMA as a place where young Pacific professionals aspire to work.

“I truly believe PMA has the scale and resources to attract young Pacific talent. PMA can be a place where young professionals learn, face challenges, and grow in their careers. I hope that we can become a place where Pacific people see a future for themselves, and I believe we can achieve that.”

Amanda, of Samoan descent, also joins PMA after working at Deloitte NZ for the last two and a half years. By trade she is a nurse and comes with over 20 years of experience as a registered nurse. She brings knowledge through her background in primary care, digital transformation, and service design, along with a vast network of Pacific healthcare providers.

“As a nurse, it’s important to me to give back to our communities and to work on improving Pacific healthcare,” she shares.

“Understanding the healthcare landscape and building strong relationships at the executive level are crucial for the well-being of our Pacific families and communities.”

Amanda is passionate about digital technologies and hopes to integrate them into her new role.

“Technology is constantly evolving, and there are many opportunities to enhance healthcare delivery through digital means. I’m excited to join a team that operates in a 'for Pacific, by Pacific' environment.”

Lisa and Amanda express their gratitude to PMA Chair Dr. Kiki Maoate, the PMA Board, and CEO Debbie Sorensen for entrusting them with these leadership roles.

PMA CEO, Debbie Sorensen, expresses her excitement about the significant addition of two Pacific women to the PMA leadership team.

“We are incredibly honoured to welcome Lisa and Amanda into our PMA family. Their inclusion is a groundbreaking step forward, especially considering the underrepresentation of women, and particularly Pacific women, in executive leadership roles.

“We are thrilled to have them bring their invaluable expertise to benefit our Pacific families and communities.”