Our board has responsibility for the overall management and strategic development of the organisation. The values of the board reflect those of the organisation: people focused, quality and excellence and innovation. In line with these values, the organisation’s code of conduct guides the actions and decisions of the board.
Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications), Honours (Communication)
Kirsten commenced on the board in January 2021. She is the Chair of the Strategic Issues & Innovation Committee and Nominations and Remuneration Committee and a member of the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee.
Kirsten brings nearly 20 years of experience in communication, having previously worked as a journalist for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation as well as in marketing, content creation and public relations for various companies and organisations. Kirsten has founded a podcasting company, "The Rural Podcasting Co," where she helps organisations and individuals to create strategic and engaging podcasts to serve rural and agricultural audiences. She has also created two podcasts specifically for rural audiences “Ducks on the Pond” and “Town Criers”. Kirsten lives on a mixed farm in south-west Victoria. She is also currently undertaking a PhD at Deakin University on local news sustainability in rural and regional areas.
Diploma of Teaching (Primary), Certificate A Teaching (4th year)
Brian Crook has been on the South West TAFE board since December 2017 and was Chair of the Board from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026. He is a member of the Nominations and Remuneration Committee, the Strategic Issues and Innovation Committee and Infrastructure Committee.
Brian’s career has spanned over 40 years in primary, secondary and alternative education. He retired from teaching commitments at Trinity College Colac in December 2018. Brian was instrumental in opening up TAFE opportunities for all VCAL students through the VET in schools program and was a key player in the delivery of a Trade Training Centre for the Colac Otway Shire. Brian has also had a career in local Government serving the Colac Otway Shire as Mayor and Councillor for over 15 years between 2002 and 2020.
PhD, MBA, Bachelor of Business (Accounting)
Eva is Chair of the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee and a member of the Strategic Issues & Innovation Committee.
Eva is currently also the Deputy President of the Professional Standards Division of the Police Registration and Services Board, the independent Chair of the Audit, Risk Management and Finance Committee of the Victorian Institute of Teaching, and an organisational integrity advisor.
Eva has executive experience in public, private and not for profit organisations in Australia and abroad, including extensive higher education leadership experience, as well as ethics, governance, policy and stakeholder engagement expertise. She was previously Associate Professor and Industry Fellow at RMIT University.
Kerry Nelson commenced on the South West TAFE Board in July 2022 and is a member of the Strategic Issues & Innovation Committee and Nominations and Remuneration Committee. Kerry is also the Board Observer Liaison for the SWTAFE Board Observer, providing support for the 2025 Program participant.
Kerry brings executive and director experience in the community sector in the south west including local government, health, disability, aged care and not for profit organisations. Kerry was a Victorian state committee member for the National Disability Services peak body and chair and member of Lyndoch Living.
Kerry was a member of the Skills Commissioners Round Table on skills demand in the south west prior to joining the SWTafe Board and chaired local project groups which coordinated the collaboration of several agencies including South West TAFE and Deakin University.
For 20 years, Kerry was the CEO of Mpower, a local not for profit organisation providing disability, family and carer services.
Post Graduate Diploma of Business Administration, Certificate IV in Process Manufacturing, National Diploma Forestry (South Africa), Certificate III in Public Participation - IAP2® (Australasia)
Roland commenced on the Board in January 2023 and is a member of the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee, the Strategic Issues & Innovation Committee, and the Nominations & Remuneration Committee.
He is an experienced board director and senior executive with more than 25 years of leadership across forestry, natural resources, export logistics and complex multi‑stakeholder environments, recognised for strong governance, strategic execution and high‑performance operational leadership.
In addition to his long‑standing contributions to regional industries, Roland supports broader economic and community development through board and committee roles with the Committee for Portland, the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub, the Green Triangle Timber Industry Awards and the Glenelg Shire Council’s Audit & Risk Committee.
Tiana commenced on the South West TAFE board in October 2023. She is Chair of the Infrastructure Committee and a member of the Strategic Issues and Innovation Committee.
Tiana has a range of experience working in education and youth services as well previously working in community journalism. Tiana is the Executive Officer for the Glenelg and Southern Grampians Local Learning and Employment Network which works with secondary students across the region to explore career opportunities and build aspirations for post-secondary employment and training.
Tiana brings expertise from the youth and community sector, where she also volunteers with Live4Life Glenelg as Youth Mental Health First Aid licensed facilitator.
Katina jointed the SWTAFE Board in November 2024 and is a member of the Infrastructure Committee and the Strategic Issues and Innovation Committee.
Katina is the Chair of the Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative Limited and the Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Co-Operative Ltd where she previously held the position of Board Secretary. Katina has over 20 years of experience in Indigenous community services and health education around Australia.
Martin commenced on the South West TAFE Board on 1 September 2025 and is a member of the Strategic Issues and Innovation Committee and the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee.
Martin is an experienced CEO and consultant who has a strong Local Government, Government Business Enterprise, Finance and Professional services background. Martin has held positions as CEO of the City of Greater Geelong, various General Manager roles across a wide portfolio of services at City of Melbourne, senior finance roles at ANL Limited and audit roles at KPMG.
Martin has served on numerous Boards and Committees over his working career including the G21 Geelong Regional Alliance Ltd.
Martin has critical skill sets across political crises management, finance and due diligence, governance and audit, economic development, major capital projects, commercial negotiation advice, community engagement and complex stakeholder management.
Diploma of Beauty Therapy, Associate Degree of Vocational Education and Training
Jade commenced employment at South West TAFE in January 2017 and was appointed as the staff-elected Director on the South West TAFE Board in January 2026. She is a member of the Infrastructure Committee and the Strategic Issues & Innovation Committee.
Jade initially joined South West TAFE as a teacher in the hair, beauty and massage area and has since progressed into leadership roles. She is currently a Teaching Education Manager, with responsibility for the delivery and coordination of hairdressing, beauty and massage programs.
Day-to-day management of the organisation continued to be delegated to the CEO and the Executive Team. The CEO and the Executive Team operate under a reporting and accountability framework.
Bachelor of Business (Accounting), Certified Practising Accountant (CPA), Diploma of Frontline Management, Graduate Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD)
Mark has been the CEO of South West TAFE since early 2015. Mark initially joined the organisation as Finance Manager in 2003. He was appointed to the role of Executive Manager of Corporate Services in 2005, incorporating the role of Chief Finance Officer and appointed as the organisation Board Secretary in 2013.
As CEO, Mark is responsible for implementing the strategic direction of the organisation and ensuring efficiency across the organisation to meet the requirements of Government, enterprises and individuals.
Prior to joining South West TAFE, Mark gained experience as a financial manager in a range of sectors in both Australia and the United Kingdom. Mark is the Chair of the South West Local Learning and Employment Network and represents South West TAFE on several other like-minded community Boards.
Associate Degree in Vocational Education & Training, Certificate IV in Human Resource Management, Diploma of Vocational Education & Training, Diploma of Salon Management.
Kathy started at South West TAFE in 2008 and commenced in the role of Executive Manager Education acting in January 2025. Kathy initially joined the organisation as a teacher and program coordinator, before moving into leadership roles including Senior Educator, Head of Department for Business Design and Personal Services, and most recently as the Director of Education.
Kathy’s portfolio includes the five teaching divisions- Building Construction and Smart Technology, Education and Creative Arts, Health and Community Services, Business Food and Personal Services and Industry Land and Engineering, along with the Education Projects, Education Partners, and Industry & Community Engagement teams. The portfolio is responsible for the design and delivery of innovative, flexible, customer-focused education and training services and leading the development of industry driven training solutions.
Bachelor of Management (Human Resources, Commercial Law, Accounting), Certified Practising Accountant (CPA), Diploma of Government Investigation, Diploma of Occupational, Health and Safety.
Shannyn commenced in the role of Executive Manager, Corporate Services in November 2019. Prior to that Shannyn began her career at South West TAFE in 2014 as the Audit and Compliance Officer.
Shannyn is responsible for the leadership of the Corporate Services portfolio that includes digital innovation and information technology, facilities management and master planning, capital works, occupational health and safety, audit and risk management, RTO Governance and Business Analytics.
Masters of Education, Bachelor of Education, Diploma of Teaching
Susan commenced with South West TAFE in 1998 and began the role of Executive Manager of Student Experience in December 2022. Susan began her career at SWTAFE as a teacher and has held a Management position for the past 10 years including the Schools, Jobs and Pathways portfolio. Susan has experience managing large industry projects and is passionate about providing educational opportunities for her local community.
Susan’s portfolio includes the management of the Portland, Hamilton and Colac campuses and is responsible for Student Administration, Student Engagement and Support, First Nations, Reconnect, Apprenticeship support and our Accessibility support teams. The portfolio is accountable for the end-to-end student lifecycle from student recruitment, school engagement, enrolment and pathway to employment. It maintains a strong student focus that aligns with industry needs and community expectations, ensuring all students across South West Victoria and beyond have access to equitable educational opportunities
