Maria Peters has been named as the new CEO of Chisholm Institute, replacing former CEO Virginia Simmons. 

The appointment came as the result of a unanimous decision by the selection panel and the subsequent endorsement of the Minister for Education, Skills and Workplace Participation, Bronwyn Pike.

Chisholm Board President David Willersdorf noted that Mrs Peters’ passionate commitment to vocational education and training and broad range of experience as Chisholm Deputy CEO made her the natural choice for the role. 

“Apart from being selected as the preferred candidate in her own right, I am confident that Maria's appointment will ensure continuity of Chisholm's planning and policy processes,” Willersdorf said, “This is, of course, highly advantageous in the current environment.”

Peters, who has been occupying the Deputy CEO role for two years, said she was delighted with the appointment.
“Chisholm is a leading TAFE Institute in Victoria and I am honoured to be chosen to take it to the next stage of its development.  Enhancing the already excellent vocational education and training at Chisholm is a major focus for me. By providing greater choice in program design and delivery with flexible options on how the training is offered, the Institute will better meet the needs of individuals and industry.”

A move into delivering degrees and other higher education qualifications, increased pathways to further study at Chisholm and university are also high on Peters’ priority list.

Chisholm is well positioned to take advantage of the changes to TAFE funding and is already seeing an increase in enrolled students due to the new funding available. “This is most pleasing and is an indication that Chisholm can grow by now being able to respond to the demand for education and training in a growing south east region,” said Peters.