TAFE Queensland Executive
The executive team implements the strategic plan. Their operational plan includes key yearly activities for TAFE Queensland and provides performance measures. The executive reports, through the Board, to the Minister on a quarterly basis about TAFE Queensland’s performance.
Chief Executive Officer
Mary Campbell has more than 30 years of experience working in the VET sector. She is passionate about all aspects of TAFE Queensland, but most importantly about creating real outcomes for students, communities, employers, and industry. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Committee for Economic Development of Australia trustee and a member of TAFE Directors Australia Board and the Queensland Overseas Foundation Board. Mary holds a Diploma of Teaching (TAFE), Bachelor of Arts, Graduate Certificate in Open and Distance Learning, Graduate Certificate in Education and a Masters of Learning Innovation.
Chief Academic Officer
Joann Pyne has over 20 years of experience in both local and federal government across a variety of senior executive roles. Joann has been instrumental in developing a range of programs that have received awards for their innovative approach, unique and successful partnerships, and their responsiveness to business, industry and community. Joann is passionate about ensuring TAFE Queensland is seen as the premier training provider and an advocate of Indigenous vocational education in Queensland that students, employers, industry and employees are proud to be associated with. Joann is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Chief Information Officer
Alan Chapman has over 10 years’ experience in the higher education and VET sectors and over 30 years in information and communications technology (ICT). He has a strong focus on getting the best from ICT for TAFE Queensland, driving a rich technology-enabled experience for students and a seamless working environment for staff. Alan is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Chief Human Resources Officer
Vanessa Kissane has 16 years’ experience working in a number of key senior management roles across TAFE Queensland, with a focus on strategic human resources and employee relations. With an innovative approach to all facets of workforce development, Vanessa brings a strong operational understanding to drive organisational performance. Vanessa holds a Masters of Business and Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Development.
Chief Financial Officer
Simon Pritchard has 13 years of experience in senior finance roles across TAFE Queensland, following a number of years in the higher education sectors in Australia and the United Kingdom. Simon brings a deep understanding of TAFE Queensland operations and how the finance function can enable the organisation to achieve operational and strategic goals. Simon is a member of CPA (Australia), holds a Masters of Business Administration and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
General Manager, Operations
Nik Babovic has over 20 years of experience in executive leadership positions across the vocational education and training and higher education sectors. Nik drives operational priorities that positively impact the sustainability and success of TAFE Queensland, underpinned by significant experience in developing and leading organisational strategy, stakeholder engagement and operational management. As the former Institute Director of Central Queensland Institute of TAFE (CQTAFE), Nik led the merger of CQUniversity of CQTAFE to become the first dual sector university in Queensland and became the inaugural Deputy Vice Chancellor VET of CQUniversity. Nik holds a Bachelor of Education and Graduate Diploma in Strategic Leadership.
General Manager, International
Denise O'Brien’s 30 years’ experience in VET includes teaching, management and CEO positions in Victoria and the Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC). Denise holds a number of post graduate qualifications in education including a Masters in Educational Leadership and has held positions on various government and non-government boards. Denise is committed to the role VET plays in assisting people of all ages to improve their economic, social, and cultural prospects.
General Manager, East Coast region
Ana Rodger has more than 28 years of wide-ranging experience in the VET sector with a particular focus on skill development of emerging leaders and the implementation of innovative teaching practices and new technologies. Ana holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Graduate Certificate of Public Sector Management, is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and an Associate Member of Certified Practicing Accountants, Australia.
General Manager, Gold Coast region
Karen Dickinson has over 30 years’ experience working in public sector management roles across health, employment services, and vocational education and training. She is passionate about developing people and ensuring vocational training is strongly aligned to employment outcomes. Karen has a Masters in Health Services Management, Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety and Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing). Karen is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
General Manager, North region
Tim Campbell has 18 years’ experience in vocational education and training sector as a teacher, senior manager, faculty head, and executive director roles. Tim also spent two years living remotely leading an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander training and construction organisation. Tim is passionate about developing staff to realise their full potential to achieve the desired outcomes for students and the community. Tim has a Master’s in Business Administration (Human Resource Major) and a Certificate of Education (Post Compulsory Education Training) from Teesside University in the UK.
General Manager, SkillsTech region
John Tucker has more than 25 years’ experience in vocational education as a teacher, senior manager, faculty head, and executive director. John is a recognised leader in innovative teaching and learning practices, and is passionate about achieving the best training outcomes for students, industry, and TAFE Queensland. John is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Chair of the WorldSkills Queensland Steering Committee.
General Manager, Brisbane region
Brent Kinnane has more than 25 years' of experience in strategic and operational management, business development and finance across a range of industries and sectors, with more than 20 years in the Vocational Education and Training sector. Brent’s focus is on providing solutions for students and commercial clients, ensuring TAFE Queensland delivers relevant and current training that allows graduates achieve positive employment outcomes. He holds a Bachelor of Business Management (Distinction) and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Brent is also a board member of the Ipswich Regional Chamber of Commerce and is a Director of the Board of Brothers Leagues Club, Ipswich and Life Education Queensland.
Executive Director, Business Development
Robert Petherbridge has nearly 20 years’ experience working in the tertiary education and training sector across public and private organisations. He is passionate about skills and workforce development and working with businesses and government to ensure Australia’s workforce has the skills needed for tomorrow’s world of work. Robert is a Trustee of the Committee for Economic Development of Australia and recognised for contributions to public policy and reform in education and VET.
Executive Director, Legal Services and General Counsel
Gareth Hewson is an experienced law professional and has held roles advising large organisations in Australia and overseas, including in-house counsel roles at ASX-listed and multi-national companies. He specialises in government contracting, international projects, dispute resolution and multi-party ventures.
Acting General Manager, South West region
Jenni Butler has over 26 years’ experience in the VET sector as an educator, senior manager and executive director. Jenni has a passion for the sector and understands the importance of what training and skills brings to individuals, businesses and communities. Jenni is the chair of the TAFE at Schools Steering committee, tasked with reinforcing TAFE Queensland as the provider of choice for schools in Queensland. She holds of Bachelor of Vocational Education and Training and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Jenni is also a board member of the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce.