Chisholm is structured so as to encourage innovative and responsive leadership from within, and across all levels. Teaching and administration areas are organised in centres under the responsibility of directors. Managers of departments meet regularly and report to their centre directors. Regular Chisholm Directors Group meetings ensure free and timely sharing of information and to monitor progress and developments.
Virginia Simmons
Director and CEO
Virginia Simmons, BA, DipEd, GradDipEd Admin., was appointed Director and CEO of Chisholm in April 2001. Prior to that she was Deputy Vice-Chancellor (TAFE) at Swinburne University of Technology for over three years and Director, Kangan Batman Institute of TAFE, for 11 years. She has been a strong advocate for public-sector TAFE throughout her years in the sector. She serves on a number of economic and education boards, including the Victorian Qualifications Authority (VQA) and International Training Australia (ITA) South East Development (Melbourne) Area Consultative Committee. In 1995, Virginia received the inaugural Prime Minister’s Training Award for her contribution to women in vocational education and training (VET).
Maria Peters
Deputy CEO
Maria Peters, BA, DipEd, Grad Dip TESOL has had extensive experience in education both locally and internationally and held a range of management positions before her appointment as the Director of the School of Social Sciences in 2001. She was appointed to the newly created position of deputy CEO in 2008. Maria has experience of delivery over a range of industry sectors and is involved in a diverse network of organisations and committees. Maria is responsible for the educational leadership, planning and strategic direction of all teaching Centres, the Berwick TEC and also for Chisholm Bass Coast and Chisholm Mornington Peninsula.
David Thorsen
Director, Organisational Culture & Communications Division
David Thorsen, BBus, GradDip Labour Law, joined Chisholm in June 2005 as HR Development Manager. He has over 13 years human resource and employee relations experience in an education environment. Prior to joining Chisholm, David was Human Resources Manager, Adult Multicultural Education Services (AMES), and also worked in various human resource roles at La Trobe University. David was appointed as Director, Organisational Culture & Communications in 2008.
Chris van der Weyden
Director, Technology and Learning Information Services
Chris van der Weyden, BCom (Melb) MEd (Melb) ITIL Expert, CGEIT, was appointed to the newly created position of Director Technology and Educational Development in 2006. Chris started his career as a secondary teacher for eight years before moving to the IT industry. After a number of years selling and supporting student management and finance systems, he returned to education in senior IT management roles, most recently as Associate Director in IT Services at Swinburne University of Technology.
Madelyn Lettieri
Director, Centre for Integrated Health & Community Well Being
Madelyn Lettieri, Dip T, Dip FLM, Cert IV WTA & GradCertEdMgt, Professional Certification - Leadership and Management - Chair Academy (USA). Madelyn was appointed as Director of the Centre for Integrated Health & Community Well Being in 2008. Madelyn has extensive experience in teaching and management within the TAFE sector and has managed a diverse portfolio of teaching programs, including innovative models of small business vocational training centres. Madelyn has experience in project management involving delivery of large training programs to industry. Madelyn has delivered many conference papers and workshops in the fields of: Art and Disability in Practice, Health and Wellbeing & Community Partnerships. Madelyn has served on a number of industry boards and is currently a Board Member for the Mental Health Foundation of Australia.
John McKay
Director, Centre for Integrated Engineering & Science
John McKay, Grad Dip Ed Admin, BEE, DipEd has extensive experience in teaching and senior management within the TAFE sector. John manages delivery over a range of industries that includes Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering & Applied Science and Manufacturing Engineering and Logistics. John became Director of the Centre for Integrated Engineering & Science in 2008.
Leanne Jenkins
Director, Centre for Services & Arts Industries
Leanne worked extensively in the Hair and Beauty industry before commencing her career with Chisholm in 1988, as a teacher in the Hair and Beauty department. In 1995, Leanne was appointed to the position of department manager and since 2001 also managed the sport and recreation program area. In 2008 Leanne was appointed as Director of the Centre for Services & Arts Industries, a new Centre for Chisholm, which brings hospitality, food processing, arts, hair and beauty under one Centre. Leanne has a particular interest in working with industry and has wide experience in providing training and consultancy to a diverse range of industry sectors.
Malcolm Mcpherson
Director, Centre for Sustainable Technologies
Malcolm Macpherson BSc, G DIp Recreation, G Dip Ed joined Chisholm in 2007 as Manager of Manufacturing Engineering and Logistics and in 2008 moved to the role of Director of the Centre for Sustainable Technologies. Malcolm’s early career was in a variety of roles in industrial chemistry and community-based recreation management. Malcolm managed a diverse portfolio of teaching centres during his 20 years at Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE and has developed specialist expertise and interest in work based training programs for industrial clients. A commitment to the professional skilling of VET staff was enhanced by two secondments to the TAFE Development Centre.
Christine Louey
Director, International & Enterprise Division
Christine Louey, BBus (Accounting), GradDip Ed, Diploma FMI, CPA was appointed to this position on 1 July 2007. Christine previously held the position of Department Manager, Business Services. Christine joined Chisholm in 2003 and previously held management positions in International Projects, Business and Management and the CBT Accounting Resources Project at Swinburne University’s TAFE Division and at Eastern TAFE. Christine has experience as a TAFE teacher, Manager of VET program delivery, resource development, international business and project management. Christine joined Chisholm Institute in 2003 and currently has responsibility for the commercially based departments/units of International Projects, International Student Programs and Continuing Education and Innovation. In partnership with Centres and Divisions she coordinates and supports the strategic development of local and international Fee-for-Service activity at Chisholm.
Grant Radford
Director, Corporate Services Division
Grant Radford, BCom, CPA, joined Chisholm as the Director Corporate Services in April 2008. Grant has over 10 years experience in finance and infrastructure. Grant has held a number of positions in Australia's Defence Force which included assisting with the development and management of the Defence Material Organisation's statutory financial statements, monthly budget analysis and audit coordination. Grant has also operated as a senior manager with Victoria's Department of Education and Training where he played a major role in the implementation of the 2006 Skill Statement - Maintaining the Advantage. Immediately prior to joining Chisholm Grant held a senior advisor position with the Victorian Department of Treasury and Finance.
Andrew Kong
Director, Centre for Advanced Business Services
AFAIM, M Ed Admin, M Prof St, Grad Dip Ed, BA, Dip Trg Dev
Andrew has enjoyed a career as a leader in education and training in industry, government and the Victorian TAFE system. He has worked as the training and development manager at Tooheys, Lion Nathan; a commissioned officer within the Australian Regular Army; and held management positions at East Gippsland Institute of TAFE and Box Hill Institute before joining Chisholm Institute in June 2008.
Andrew’s career has seen him involved in implementing the education and training strategies within change management initiatives across industrial, military and educational settings.
Anne Cosentino
Director, Centre for Vocational Pathways
Anne Cosentino, BA, Dip. Ed was appointed Director of the Centre for Vocational Pathways in August 2008. Anne has extensive experience in the field of education, spanning both secondary and adult sectors. Commencing her career with Chisholm in 1987 as a teacher of language and literacy skills, Anne became Department Manager of Language and Cultural Studies, including Indigenous Programs and Services, in 2001. In her new Director role, Anne brings significant experience in securing and managing government tenders; involvement in local and national networks for General Education and Access Programs; school, community and industry links, plus wide experience in developing and implementing foundation and pathway programs for the diverse student cohort represented by the Centre.
