22 June 2026: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) International today announced the appointment of Nicki Batagol as Board Chair, as the global health promotion charity continues to strengthen its role as a leading provider of mental health education and early intervention worldwide.
Ms Batagol has served as Deputy Chair since November 2023 and as a Board Director since 2018. She brings extensive experience in governance and mental health leadership, alongside more than 16 years as a management consultant specialising in workforce transformation across Australia and London. She is currently Board Chair of Lifeline Direct and Board Chair of the Queen Elizabeth Centre.
Ms Batagol said it is an honour to take on the role at a time of strong organisational momentum and global growth. “MHFA has grown into a global movement that equips communities with practical skills to recognise and respond to mental health challenges and crises. I look forward to working with the Board and leadership team to continue strengthening the organisation’s impact and ensuring MHFA remains accessible to communities around the world.”
MHFA International CEO Angus Clelland said the appointment ensures continuity of strong Board stewardship as the organisation builds on more than 25 years of impact. “Nicki brings a strong background in mental health leadership, strong governance capability, and a long-standing commitment to MHFA’s mission,” Mr Clelland said. “Her appointment ensures stability and continuity of leadership as we continue to scale our global impact.”
Ms Batagol will succeed Krystian Seibert, who will step down from the role on 30 June 2026 after 12 years on the Board, including five years as Chair.
Mr Clelland acknowledged Mr Seibert’s contribution over more than a decade of service. “Krystian has provided steady and considered leadership at a time when the organisation has evolved significantly in scale, reach and impact. Under his leadership, we strengthened our strategic direction and doubled our global footprint to more than 50 countries.”
Mr Seibert’s tenure included the launch of a new strategic plan and the implementation of the organisation’s first Reconciliation Action Plan. There was a significant revamp of its Australian operations and work commenced on developing a new governance model for the global MHFA movement. The organisation also marked its 25th anniversary in 2025 with record-breaking participation, including 141,000 Australians and more than 1 million trained globally.
Mr Seibert said it has been a privilege to serve on the Board since 2014, and paid tribute to the work of MHFA International’s co-founders, Betty Kitchener AM and Emeritus Professor Tony Jorm. “What stands out most during my time on the Board is the transformation of MHFA International into an active steward of a truly global movement, and the collective commitment of our staff, community and partners to our purpose and vision, focused on delivering real and tangible impact around the world,” he said.
“I leave with a great deal of confidence in the Board, leadership team, our staff and the global movement that has been built together,” Mr Seibert added. “With Nicki as the new Chair, MHFA International is well placed for its next phase of growth, so that more people, in more countries, are equipped with the skills and confidence to have conversations about mental health and wellbeing.”
Supporting Ms Batagol as Chair, Associate Professor Simon Stafrace will be assuming the role of Deputy Chair. A Board Director since 2025, Associate Professor Stafrace is a psychiatrist and Program Director of Mental & Addiction Health at Alfred Health and Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor at Monash University.
