Board of Directors

DAVID MACKAY, Chair

David Mackay was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Tuggerah Lakes Community College in 2011. David brings to the Board over twenty years experience in education and training management, within a career that has included both the public and private sectors. He holds a Bachelor of Social Science, Graduate Diploma of Management and a Masters in Adult Education, and is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. With a passion for education he has produced various articles, papers and publications.

THERESA COLLIGNON, Deputy Chair

Theresa Collignon has been CEO of Macquarie Community College, since February 2015, bringing more than 20 years of local and international not-for-profit education experience. Prior roles include Executive Director of TAFE National Scholarships Foundation; NSW Regional Manager, The Smith Family; Chief Executive, AFS Student Exchange Australia; Vice President, AFS-USA; Manager, Training Division and GM, NSW Division of the Securities Institute of Australia; and Associate Director, MBA Program, Australian Graduate School of Management. In addition to her CCA Board work her extensive Governance experience includes 12 years as a Director of SDN Children’s Services, including two years as Board Chair. Theresa is a member of the Boards of Macquarie Community College and MCC Child and Family Services. A Graduate of the AICD Company Director’s Course, her qualifications also include an MBA, Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) and a Diploma in Financial Markets.

KERRY JOHNSON, Treasurer

Kerry Johnson has been the CEO of ACE Community Colleges since 2006 and has overseen the growth of the College expansion into Queensland, opening two campuses on the Gold Coast. Kerry started her work in education as a primary school teacher in South East Queensland where she taught for five years. In 2003 she was appointed Executive Director of Recreation Training Queensland, an Industry Training Advisory Body for sport, outdoor recreation, fitness, horse racing and gambling, which propelled her into the world of VET. She has an extensive background in the management of not-for-profit organisations and has held positions on various boards including Sports Federation Queensland and Co-operative Learning Ltd.

DAVID MARTIN

With a background in education administration and business, David Martin joined Western Riverina Community College in 2004. Since then, David has been instrumental in driving the College’s impressive expansion. Through additional board roles with Community Colleges Australia – including a number of years as CCA Chair, David has also helped to develop and strengthen the contribution of community colleges across Australia. David holds a Master of Education Leadership and Policy, Bachelor of Adult Learning and Development, as well as qualifications in business and accounting. Also known for his involvement in the community, David received the Governor-General’s Award for services provided to Scouting Australia in 2011 and was named ACT Rugby Volunteer of the Year. A keen sailor in his leisure time, David completed a two-week sailing voyage from Australian to New Zealand aboard HMB Bark Endeavour (replica) in 2019.

BERNADETTE MILLS

Bernadette Mills’ career started in retail fashion and business management before moving into the adult education sector. She joined the St George and Sutherland Community College (SGSCC) management team in 2011. She has gained unparalleled experience in the adult education sector, establishing herself as a respected leader within the College and the wider community. Currently the CEO of SGSCC, she is widely known and respected for her leadership and mentorship skills and her compassion, open-mindedness, and approachability. Bernadette is not fearful of hard work and is purposeful in taking decisive action to enrich the lives of our College and community. Outside of College, with her enquiring mind and curious nature, she researches ways to develop her skills and the skills of others to create resilient people, leaders, and teams. Hence, we create compassionate communities in which we serve. Her belief is We learn, We grow!

JADE VERMEER

Jade Vermeer is the Chief Operating Officer at Tamworth Community College, having worked for the College for over 10 years. She holds a Diploma of Management and VET qualifications in Business. Jade’s experience spans across both the non-profit and corporate sectors, including positions at BOC Operations Centre QLD and Leighton Holdings Ltd, specialising in operational and strategic planning, leadership and accounting. Her passion and belief in personal development and professional training have enabled her to develop a diverse range of skills including project management, change management and marketing, as well as empowering the individuals she leads to achieve outstanding goals and contribute to organisational success and her community.