Judy Higgins-Olsen

2018 Early Career Recipient. College of Healthcare Sciences

Judy Higgins-Olsen is the general manager of the Townsville Hospital Foundation.

After graduating from James Cook University in 2005, Ms Higgins-Olsen was employed by Townsville Podiatry Centre where she provided vital biomechanical and medical assistance to the community. She quickly rose within the ranks of this business and acquired additional senior roles.

In 2012, she was appointed as executive assistant to Jayne Arlett which, combined with her qualifications in Sport and Exercise Science, gave her the experience and skill set to be appointed the General Manager of the Women’s National Basketball League team, the Townsville Fire, whom JCU has proudly sponsored since 2014.

During her time in this role, Ms Higgins-Olsen applied her extensive sporting, marketing and managerial knowledge and work ethic into developing a quality organisation with extensive local support that could continue to compete at the national level. The foundations within the organisation and external networks developed by Ms Higgins-Olsen would ultimately ensure the viability of the organisation during her 2013-2014 tenure. This success would eventually set the precedent for national success that was achieved in the immediate years following her tenure. The work done by Ms Higgins-Olsen to bolster the Fire during difficult times exemplifies the calibre and commitment of Ms Higgins-Olsen to the local community.

In 2016, Ms Higgins-Olsen continued this local commitment and was appointed as the General Manager of the Townsville Hospital Foundation. Given her extensive managerial and marketing experience, and excellent community engagement, she became a valuable addition to guide the not-for-profit organisation. In her current role, Ms Higgins-Olsen provides operational and strategic direction for the foundation in its interactions with the local community of patients, sponsors and supporters.

Her determination to support the local community provides further evidence of her commitment to the North Queensland region and determination to excel. Outside of work, Ms Higgins-Olsen continues this drive in other activities including the Townsville Choral Society and the North Queensland Opera & Music Theatre companies. As an actor, singer and dancer in a range of productions, she has contributed extensively to the cultural development of the Townsville community for many years. In addition, she supports local schools as a guest speaker and role model to promote cultural and sporting activities for young women. Ms Higgins-Olsen is also a volunteer Board Member of the North Queensland United Football Club.

Judy Higgins-Olsen graduated from James Cook University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science.