Public Health Scotland welcomes three new Board members

Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Mental Wellbeing, Public Health, Sport, Alcohol and Drugs has announced the appointment of three new Non-Executive Directors to our Board.

Dona Milne, Joe McLachlan, and Maddy Halliday will join the PHS Board on 2 October 2026, and will each serve for a period of four years. 

Dona Milne is a Consultant in Public Health and Fellow of the Faculty of Public Health, with senior experience across public health, Scottish Government, local government and the community and voluntary sectors. She brings a strong commitment to partnership working, reducing poverty and addressing inequalities. 

Joe McLachlan, Chief Executive of East Ayrshire Council, brings extensive experience in local government, public sector finance, digital transformation and early intervention. His work has focused on prevention, tackling poverty and inequality, strengthening partnership working and improving outcomes for communities. 

Maddy Halliday brings more than 40 years’ experience in public health, with a strong focus on community health and wellbeing, public mental health and action to address the social, economic and environmental factors that shape people’s health. She also brings significant leadership and governance experience from the voluntary sector. 

Welcoming the appointments, Alastair Boyle MBE, PHS Chair, said:

“I am delighted to welcome Dona, Joe and Maddy to the Board of Public Health Scotland. Each brings valuable experience and perspectives that will strengthen our discussions and decision-making. Their knowledge, insight and commitment will be a real asset as we deliver our new ten-year strategy, Together We Can, and work with partners across Scotland to improve health and reduce inequalities. I look forward to working with them as we help create a Scotland where everybody thrives.” 

Paul Johnston, PHS Chief Executive, said:

“Dona, Joe and Maddy join PHS at an exciting time as we work to influence and drive collective action with partners on health across Scotland, improve wellbeing and tackle persistent inequalities. Staff across PHS will be keen to welcome them and share the important work we are doing as an organisation, united by a clear mission and purpose to improve the lives of communities across Scotland.” 

Find out more on the Scottish Government website

More information about our current Board and Board meetings is available on our website