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.

Dedicated to empowering individuals through accessible vocational education, TAFE NSW drives economic growth across New South Wales by delivering high-quality degrees and short courses, shaping a skilled workforce for Australia's future.

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 across New South Wales, Hobbs ensures alignment with national and state educational objectives. This leadership role involves fostering innovation in course development and delivery methods to meet evolving industry demands. By championing a culture of continuous improvement, Elizabeth Hobbs drives the expansion of TAFE NSW's offerings, including degrees and short courses, to enhance student employability and contribute to the Australian economy. The Chief Executive Officer's purview extends to stakeholder engagement, ensuring strong relationships with government bodies, industry partners, and the broader community to solidify TAFE NSW's position as a leading educational provider.
    Elizabeth Hobbs

    Louise Coutts - Chief Financial Officer

    Louise Coutts, the Chief Financial Officer at TAFE NSW, governs all financial planning, management, and reporting activities for the organization. Coutts oversees the budgeting process, financial controls, and investment strategies to ensure the fiscal health and sustainability of TAFE NSW's extensive educational operations. This leadership position involves managing financial risks, optimizing revenue streams from degrees and short courses, and ensuring compliance with all financial regulations across Australia. By providing strategic financial guidance, Louise Coutts supports the institution's growth initiatives and its mission to deliver accessible vocational training. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is crucial in allocating resources effectively to enhance educational programs and campus facilities, thereby strengthening TAFE NSW's impact on the New South Wales economy.
    Louise Coutts

    Kristen Gadd - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Kristen Gadd, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at TAFE NSW, assists the Chief Financial Officer in managing the financial operations and strategic financial planning for the organization. Gadd plays a key role in financial analysis, forecasting, and the implementation of robust financial controls across all TAFE NSW campuses. This position involves supporting the development of budgets, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring financial compliance with Australian educational standards. By providing critical financial insights, Kristen Gadd contributes to the sound fiscal management of TAFE NSW, enabling the continued delivery of affordable degrees and short courses. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer's work is essential in supporting the institution's financial stability and its capacity to invest in educational advancements and infrastructure.

    Susannah Le Bron - Chief Operating Officer

    Susannah Le Bron, the Chief Operating Officer at TAFE NSW, manages the day-to-day operational activities and resource allocation across all campuses. Le Bron oversees the efficient delivery of vocational training programs, ensuring high standards of education and student support services are maintained throughout New South Wales. This critical function involves optimizing operational workflows, enhancing campus infrastructure, and implementing best practices in educational administration. By driving operational excellence, Susannah Le Bron supports the strategic goals of TAFE NSW, facilitating seamless program delivery and maximizing resource utilization. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include managing facilities, IT services, and student administration systems to create a conducive learning environment for all students pursuing degrees and short courses.

    Daniel Bowes - Deputy Chief Operating Officer

    Daniel Bowes, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer at TAFE NSW, supports the Chief Operating Officer in overseeing the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the institution's extensive network of campuses. Bowes focuses on enhancing service delivery models and implementing strategic initiatives to improve student experiences and educational outcomes across New South Wales. This role involves detailed management of operational projects, streamlining administrative processes, and ensuring the seamless execution of training programs. By collaborating closely with campus leadership, Daniel Bowes drives improvements in resource management and operational performance. The Deputy Chief Operating Officer's contributions are vital in maintaining TAFE NSW's commitment to providing high-quality vocational education and training, supporting the delivery of degrees and short courses to a diverse student body.

    Julie Tickle - Chief People Officer

    Julie Tickle, the Chief People Officer at TAFE NSW, leads the human resources strategy and operations, focusing on talent management, employee development, and fostering a positive organizational culture. Tickle oversees all aspects of workforce planning, recruitment, and retention to ensure TAFE NSW attracts and retains high-caliber educators and support staff across New South Wales. This leadership role involves developing and implementing policies that support employee well-being, professional growth, and diversity and inclusion initiatives. By championing people-centric strategies, Julie Tickle enhances the employee experience, which directly impacts the quality of education delivered through degrees and short courses. The Chief People Officer's dedication to cultivating a skilled and motivated workforce is fundamental to TAFE NSW's mission of empowering individuals through vocational training.

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

    Nicole Cutler, the Director, Procurement Strategy Governance & Chief People Officer at TAFE NSW, directs both the strategic procurement functions and overarching people strategies for the institution. Cutler ensures that procurement processes are governed by robust strategies and ethical practices, while simultaneously driving human capital initiatives to support TAFE NSW's educational mission. This dual leadership role involves optimizing supply chain management and vendor relationships to secure resources efficiently, alongside developing and executing HR policies that foster a high-performing workforce across New South Wales. By integrating procurement and people strategies, Nicole Cutler enhances operational effectiveness and organizational capacity. The Director's focus on governance and talent development is critical for TAFE NSW's sustained success in delivering degrees and short courses.

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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.