TAFE NSW Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

TAFE NSW has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, people, and procurement.

Driven by a commitment to accessible learning, TAFE NSW provides vocational education and training across New South Wales, Australia, empowering individuals with practical skills and career pathways.

Leadership Roles at TAFE NSW

  • Chief Executive Officer - Elizabeth Hobbs
  • Chief Financial Officer - Louise Coutts
  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer - Kristen Gadd
  • Chief Operating Officer - Susannah Le Bron
  • Deputy Chief Operating Officer - Daniel Bowes
  • Chief People Officer - Julie Tickle
  • Director, Procurement Strategy Governance & Chief People Officer - Nicole Cutler
  • Elizabeth Hobbs - Chief Executive Officer

    Elizabeth Hobbs, the Chief Executive Officer at TAFE NSW, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the institution. Overseeing all facets of vocational education and training delivery, Hobbs ensures TAFE NSW meets the evolving needs of students and industry across New South Wales. This leadership role involves fostering innovation in curriculum development and expanding access to degrees and short courses. By aligning institutional goals with market demands, Elizabeth Hobbs drives the organization's mission to provide high-quality, practical skills training. The Chief Executive Officer's purview encompasses all campus operations and the strategic direction for future growth within the Australian education sector. Hobbs champions a culture of continuous improvement and student success, solidifying TAFE NSW's position as a leading vocational provider.
    Elizabeth Hobbs

    Louise Coutts - Chief Financial Officer

    Louise Coutts, the Chief Financial Officer at TAFE NSW, directs all financial planning, management, and reporting for the organization. Coutts oversees the fiscal health of TAFE NSW, managing budgets, investments, and financial compliance across its New South Wales operations. This critical role involves developing financial strategies to support the institution's growth and sustainability in the vocational education sector. By ensuring sound financial stewardship, Louise Coutts enables TAFE NSW to continue offering a wide range of degrees and short courses. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to managing financial risk and optimizing revenue streams. Coutts plays a pivotal part in maintaining the financial integrity necessary for TAFE NSW to achieve its educational mission and expand its reach.
    Louise Coutts

    Kristen Gadd - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Kristen Gadd, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at TAFE NSW, supports the Chief Financial Officer in managing the institution's financial operations across New South Wales. Gadd assists in the development and implementation of financial strategies, budget oversight, and financial analysis to ensure TAFE NSW's fiscal stability. This role is integral to maintaining the efficiency of financial processes and supporting strategic decision-making within the vocational education provider. By focusing on detailed financial management, Kristen Gadd contributes to the effective allocation of resources for degrees and short courses. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer's duties include supporting financial reporting and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Gadd's work underpins the financial framework that allows TAFE NSW to deliver its educational mandate effectively.

    Susannah Le Bron - Chief Operating Officer

    Susannah Le Bron, the Chief Operating Officer at TAFE NSW, manages the day-to-day operational activities across all campuses in New South Wales. Le Bron oversees the efficient delivery of vocational education and training programs, ensuring high standards of student experience and academic quality. This executive function involves optimizing resource allocation and streamlining operational processes to support the institution's strategic objectives. By focusing on operational excellence, Susannah Le Bron enhances the effectiveness of TAFE NSW's extensive network of facilities. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include managing campus infrastructure, student services, and the implementation of new training modalities. Le Bron drives initiatives aimed at improving service delivery and operational efficiency, directly contributing to TAFE NSW's mission of providing accessible and impactful education.

    Daniel Bowes - Deputy Chief Operating Officer

    Daniel Bowes, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer at TAFE NSW, assists the Chief Operating Officer in overseeing the operational execution of vocational training programs across New South Wales. Bowes focuses on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of campus operations and student support services. This position involves implementing operational improvements and ensuring the seamless delivery of educational offerings, from degrees to short courses. By supporting strategic operational initiatives, Daniel Bowes contributes to TAFE NSW's commitment to providing accessible and high-quality education. The Deputy Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include managing key projects and driving operational excellence throughout the institution's network. Bowes plays a vital role in optimizing the student experience and operational performance of TAFE NSW.

    Julie Tickle - Chief People Officer

    Julie Tickle, the Chief People Officer at TAFE NSW, leads the human resources strategy and operations for the institution across New South Wales. Tickle oversees talent acquisition, employee development, industrial relations, and the overall employee experience, ensuring a skilled and engaged workforce to support vocational training delivery. This executive function is crucial for fostering a positive and productive work environment that aligns with TAFE NSW's mission. By championing people-centric initiatives, Julie Tickle enhances the capabilities of staff delivering degrees and short courses. The Chief People Officer's responsibilities include developing and implementing HR policies that support organizational goals and employee well-being. Tickle drives strategies to attract, retain, and develop talent, reinforcing TAFE NSW's position as a leading educational provider.

    Nicole Cutler - Director, Procurement Strategy Governance & Chief People Officer

    Nicole Cutler, the Director, Procurement Strategy Governance & Chief People Officer at TAFE NSW, directs both procurement strategy and governance alongside human resources functions across New South Wales. Cutler ensures that procurement processes are strategically aligned with institutional objectives and adhere to robust governance frameworks, while also managing key aspects of people operations. This dual executive responsibility involves optimizing resource acquisition and talent management to support TAFE NSW's educational mission. By integrating procurement and HR strategies, Nicole Cutler enhances operational efficiency and supports the delivery of degrees and short courses. The Director's purview includes developing procurement policies and overseeing their implementation, alongside contributing to people strategies. Cutler's leadership ensures that TAFE NSW operates with both financial prudence and a strong focus on its workforce.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding TAFE NSW Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads TAFE NSW?
    TAFE NSW is led by Elizabeth Hobbs (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Louise Coutts (Chief Financial Officer) and Kristen Gadd (Deputy Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of TAFE NSW’s executive team?
    The executive team of TAFE NSW includes leaders such as Elizabeth Hobbs (Chief Executive Officer), Louise Coutts (Chief Financial Officer), Kristen Gadd (Deputy Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does TAFE NSW have?
    TAFE NSW has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in TAFE NSW’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of TAFE NSW includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Deputy Chief Operating Officer.