Melbourne Polytechnic Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Melbourne Polytechnic has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, digital technology, and ICT services.

Driven by a commitment to career pathways, Melbourne Polytechnic provides diverse, hands-on learning across agriculture, engineering, hospitality, and the arts, enhancing learner outcomes through scholarships and job placement services.

Leadership Roles at Melbourne Polytechnic

  • Chief Executive Officer - Frances Coppolillo
  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer - Priya Kapoor
  • Chief Operating Officer & Board Secretary - Mark McNamara
  • Director, Digital Technology Experience & Chief Information Officer - Channa Jayasinha
  • Acting Director, Ict Services & Chief Information Officer - Aaron Quarrell
  • Frances Coppolillo - Chief Executive Officer

    Frances Coppolillo, the Chief Executive Officer at Melbourne Polytechnic, directs the institution's overarching strategy and vision. This leadership role involves guiding the organization's expansion, including the integration of Free TAFE courses and the development of new programs across agriculture, engineering, hospitality, and the arts. Coppolillo ensures the educational offerings align with industry demands and enhance career pathways for both local and international students. The CEO's focus extends to fostering partnerships that support student success through scholarships and job placement services. Frances Coppolillo drives the institution's commitment to providing innovative, hands-on practical skills and modern theoretical learning, solidifying its position as a leading educational provider. This executive leadership ensures Melbourne Polytechnic maintains its reputation for excellence, as evidenced by its recognition at the Victorian Training Awards.

    Priya Kapoor - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Priya Kapoor, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Melbourne Polytechnic, manages the financial operations and fiscal strategy of the institution. This position involves overseeing budgeting, financial planning, and reporting to ensure the sustainable growth of the polytechnic. Kapoor's responsibilities include managing financial resources to support diverse programs across agriculture, engineering, hospitality, and the arts, as well as higher education degrees. She plays a key part in securing funding and managing investments that enhance the institution's capacity to offer innovative learning experiences and support services like scholarships. Priya Kapoor ensures financial compliance and optimizes financial performance to support Melbourne Polytechnic's mission of enhancing career pathways for its learners. The financial acumen provided by Kapoor is essential for the expansion of offerings, including Free TAFE courses, and for maintaining the institution's recognized status in the education sector.

    Mark McNamara - Chief Operating Officer & Board Secretary

    Mark McNamara, the Chief Operating Officer & Board Secretary at Melbourne Polytechnic, oversees the daily operational functions and ensures efficient resource allocation across all departments. This critical role involves managing the institution's administrative infrastructure, supporting the delivery of diverse educational programs from certificates to higher education degrees. McNamara also serves as the Board Secretary, facilitating governance and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. His responsibilities include optimizing operational processes to support the institution's growth and its commitment to providing hands-on practical skills and modern theoretical learning. Mark McNamara's leadership ensures the smooth execution of strategic initiatives, supporting the expansion of offerings like Free TAFE courses and enhancing the student experience through effective job placement services and scholarship administration. The operational efficiency driven by McNamara directly supports Melbourne Polytechnic's mission to enhance career pathways.

    Channa Jayasinha - Director, Digital Technology Experience & Chief Information Officer

    Channa Jayasinha, the Director, Digital Technology Experience & Chief Information Officer at Melbourne Polytechnic, architects the institution's digital strategy and technology infrastructure. This role focuses on enhancing the learning and operational experience through innovative digital solutions across all fields, including agriculture, engineering, hospitality, and the arts. Jayasinha oversees the development and implementation of technology platforms that support modern theoretical learning and hands-on practical skills. His leadership ensures seamless integration of digital tools for both local and international students, supporting their educational journey and career pathways. Channa Jayasinha drives the digital transformation initiatives that underpin the polytechnic's commitment to excellence and its expansion into new offerings like Free TAFE courses. The focus on digital experience ensures Melbourne Polytechnic remains at the forefront of educational technology.

    Aaron Quarrell - Acting Director, Ict Services & Chief Information Officer

    Aaron Quarrell, the Acting Director, Ict Services & Chief Information Officer at Melbourne Polytechnic, manages the day-to-day operations of the Information and Communications Technology services. This role ensures the reliability and security of the institution's IT infrastructure, supporting all academic and administrative functions. Quarrell's responsibilities include overseeing the technical support for diverse learning environments, from certificates to higher education degrees, across fields like agriculture, engineering, hospitality, and the arts. He ensures that ICT services effectively support the delivery of innovative, hands-on practical skills and modern theoretical learning. Aaron Quarrell's leadership in ICT services is crucial for maintaining operational continuity and supporting the technological needs of Melbourne Polytechnic's expanding student body and its commitment to enhancing career pathways through accessible education, including Free TAFE courses.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Melbourne Polytechnic Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Melbourne Polytechnic?
    Melbourne Polytechnic is led by Frances Coppolillo (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Priya Kapoor (Deputy Chief Financial Officer) and Mark McNamara (Chief Operating Officer & Board Secretary).
    Who is part of Melbourne Polytechnic’s executive team?
    The executive team of Melbourne Polytechnic includes leaders such as Frances Coppolillo (Chief Executive Officer), Priya Kapoor (Deputy Chief Financial Officer), Mark McNamara (Chief Operating Officer & Board Secretary) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Melbourne Polytechnic have?
    Melbourne Polytechnic has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Melbourne Polytechnic’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Melbourne Polytechnic includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer & Board Secretary, Director, Digital Technology Experience & Chief Information Officer, Acting Director, Ict Services & Chief Information Officer.