Griffith University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Griffith University has 10 executives leading key functions including operations, financial management, administrative support, and institutional leadership.

Committed to academic excellence and research innovation, Griffith University delivers comprehensive degree programs while fostering a global learning environment for students across diverse disciplines.

Leadership Roles at Griffith University

  • Interim Chief Financial Officer - Ben Spragge
  • Support Executive & To The Officer & Chief Financial Officer - Monica Elekana
  • Chief Operating Officer - Megan Leafe
  • President & Founder - Charlie Tran
  • Founder & President - Patricia Cochrane
  • Vice-Chancellor and President - Carolyn Evans
  • GASS President - Tyler Adamson
  • President - Dwiti Desai
  • President - Terri Botha
  • Senior Executive Manager - Lexi White
  • Ben Spragge - Interim Chief Financial Officer

    Ben Spragge, the Interim Chief Financial Officer at Griffith University, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial planning of the institution. Overseeing the university's complex revenue streams and expenditure models, the Interim Chief Financial Officer ensures strict adherence to regulatory compliance and financial transparency. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to secure funding for research initiatives and student support services. By maintaining robust financial controls, Ben Spragge directly impacts the university's capacity for growth and innovation. Spragge collaborates with the board to evaluate investment opportunities that strengthen the institution's market position. Through rigorous auditing and risk assessment, the Interim Chief Financial Officer protects the university's assets against economic volatility. Spragge monitors global educational funding shifts to adjust internal resource distribution effectively. This dedication to fiscal discipline supports the overarching goal of delivering accessible, high-quality education to a diverse student body while ensuring sustainable financial performance.

    Monica Elekana - Support Executive & To The Officer & Chief Financial Officer

    Monica Elekana, the Support Executive & To The Officer & Chief Financial Officer at Griffith University, facilitates high-level communication and strategic coordination between the financial department and executive leadership. Overseeing the administrative workflow for financial reporting, the Support Executive & To The Officer & Chief Financial Officer ensures that critical data reaches decision-makers with precision. This leadership role involves managing complex scheduling and documentation requirements that underpin the university's fiscal operations. By streamlining internal processes, Monica Elekana directly impacts the efficiency of the financial team. Elekana coordinates cross-departmental projects to ensure that financial objectives align with the broader institutional mission. Through meticulous oversight of executive communications, the Support Executive & To The Officer & Chief Financial Officer maintains organizational coherence. Elekana manages sensitive information and supports the development of strategic financial presentations. This role remains vital for maintaining the operational rhythm necessary to support the university's educational and research objectives.

    Megan Leafe - Chief Operating Officer

    Megan Leafe, the Chief Operating Officer at Griffith University, directs all internal administrative functions and campus infrastructure projects. Overseeing the daily operational efficiency of the institution, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that academic facilities meet the rigorous standards required for high-quality education. This leadership role involves managing large-scale resource allocation across the Australian campus network to support student success. By optimizing logistical workflows, Megan Leafe directly impacts the university's ability to provide a seamless learning experience. Leafe coordinates with various departments to streamline service delivery and maintain institutional standards. Through the implementation of sustainable campus policies, the Chief Operating Officer drives long-term operational stability. Leafe manages complex budgetary requirements for physical assets, ensuring that all infrastructure investments align with the broader strategic goals of the university. This focus on operational excellence remains central to the mission of providing world-class educational opportunities.

    Charlie Tran - President & Founder

    Charlie Tran, the President & Founder at Griffith University, architects the foundational vision and long-term strategic direction of the institution. Overseeing the development of core academic programs and research initiatives, the President & Founder ensures that the university remains at the forefront of educational innovation. This leadership role involves cultivating partnerships with industry leaders to enhance student career outcomes. By championing the university's mission, Charlie Tran directly impacts the institution's reputation and global reach. Tran leads the executive team in setting ambitious goals for academic growth and community engagement. Through the promotion of inclusive learning environments, the President & Founder drives the university's commitment to social responsibility. Tran evaluates emerging educational technologies to integrate modern pedagogical tools into the curriculum. This strategic oversight ensures that the university continues to provide high-value certifications and degrees that meet the evolving needs of the global workforce and the local community.

    Patricia Cochrane - Founder & President

    Patricia Cochrane, the Founder & President at Griffith University, drives the institutional mission through the development of specialized academic frameworks and student-centered initiatives. Overseeing the expansion of degree offerings, the Founder & President ensures that the university maintains a competitive edge in the higher education sector. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of research excellence and academic rigor across all departments. By aligning institutional resources with student needs, Patricia Cochrane directly impacts the quality of the educational experience. Cochrane leads strategic planning sessions to identify new opportunities for growth and international collaboration. Through the implementation of innovative teaching methodologies, the Founder & President enhances the university's ability to prepare students for professional success. Cochrane manages relationships with key stakeholders to secure support for campus development projects. This focus on academic leadership ensures that the university remains a premier destination for students seeking high-quality certifications and degrees.

    Carolyn Evans - Vice-Chancellor and President

    Carolyn Evans, the Vice-Chancellor and President at Griffith University, directs the overall academic and administrative strategy of the institution. Overseeing the university's commitment to research excellence and student engagement, the Vice-Chancellor and President ensures that all programs align with the institution's core mission. This leadership role involves representing the university in national and international forums to enhance its global standing. By promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, Carolyn Evans directly impacts the university's ability to address complex societal challenges. Evans leads the executive team in executing long-term development plans that prioritize academic quality and student welfare. Through the oversight of faculty recruitment and development, the Vice-Chancellor and President maintains a high standard of teaching and research. Evans manages the university's interactions with government bodies and industry partners to secure funding and support. This comprehensive leadership approach ensures that the university continues to provide exceptional educational opportunities for all students.

    Tyler Adamson - GASS President

    Tyler Adamson, the GASS President at Griffith University, leads the student-focused initiatives and represents the interests of the student body within the university's governance structure. Overseeing the development of student support programs and extracurricular activities, the GASS President ensures that the campus environment fosters personal and professional growth. This leadership role involves advocating for student needs and collaborating with university administration to improve campus services. By championing student initiatives, Tyler Adamson directly impacts the quality of the student experience. Adamson leads the student council in organizing events and programs that promote community engagement and academic success. Through the facilitation of student feedback mechanisms, the GASS President ensures that the administration remains responsive to the needs of the student population. Adamson manages the allocation of student resources to support diverse activities and clubs. This role is vital for maintaining a vibrant and inclusive campus culture that supports the university's educational mission.

    Dwiti Desai - President

    Dwiti Desai, the President at Griffith University, leads specific academic divisions and oversees the implementation of specialized research programs. Overseeing the development of curriculum standards, the President ensures that degree programs remain relevant to current industry demands. This leadership role involves managing faculty performance and promoting a culture of academic excellence. By fostering innovation in teaching, Dwiti Desai directly impacts the university's ability to attract and retain top-tier students. Desai leads strategic initiatives to expand the university's research footprint and enhance its reputation in the academic community. Through the coordination of departmental resources, the President ensures that academic goals are met with efficiency and precision. Desai collaborates with other leaders to align divisional objectives with the university's broader mission. This focus on academic leadership ensures that the university continues to provide high-quality education and research opportunities that prepare students for success in their chosen fields.

    Terri Botha - President

    Terri Botha, the President at Griffith University, manages the strategic operations of specific campus departments and oversees the delivery of student support services. Overseeing the integration of technology into the learning environment, the President ensures that students have access to modern educational tools. This leadership role involves managing departmental budgets and ensuring that resources are utilized effectively to support academic programs. By driving initiatives that improve student retention and success, Terri Botha directly impacts the university's overall performance. Botha leads teams in developing new programs that address the evolving needs of the student body. Through the implementation of quality assurance processes, the President maintains high standards across all managed departments. Botha collaborates with faculty and staff to create a supportive and inclusive campus environment. This focus on operational and academic leadership ensures that the university continues to provide a high-quality educational experience for all students.

    Lexi White - Senior Executive Manager

    Lexi White, the Senior Executive Manager at Griffith University, coordinates high-level administrative initiatives and cross-functional projects across the institution. Overseeing the implementation of strategic policies, the Senior Executive Manager ensures that departmental activities remain consistent with the university's overarching goals. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and facilitating communication between various academic units. By optimizing internal processes, Lexi White directly impacts the efficiency of the university's administrative operations. White leads teams in executing large-scale projects that support student services and campus development. Through the analysis of operational performance metrics, the Senior Executive Manager identifies areas for improvement and implements effective solutions. White collaborates with other executives to ensure that resource allocation supports the university's mission. This focus on operational coordination remains essential for maintaining the high standards of service and academic support that define the university's reputation in the higher education sector.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Griffith University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Griffith University?
    Griffith University is led by Ben Spragge (Interim Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Monica Elekana (Support Executive & To The Officer & Chief Financial Officer) and Megan Leafe (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Griffith University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Griffith University includes leaders such as Ben Spragge (Interim Chief Financial Officer), Monica Elekana (Support Executive & To The Officer & Chief Financial Officer), Megan Leafe (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Griffith University have?
    Griffith University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Griffith University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Griffith University includes roles such as Interim Chief Financial Officer, Support Executive & To The Officer & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President & Founder, Founder & President.