TAFE NSW Executive and Leadership Team

Rob Cohen, the Chief Executive Officer - AET TAFE Western at TAFE NSW, directs the strategic vision for vocational training across the western region. Overseeing regional campus operations, the Chief Executive Officer - AET TAFE Western ensures that educational delivery aligns with local industry demands in agriculture and manufacturing. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships with community leaders and government bodies to expand access to apprenticeships. By optimizing regional resource allocation, Rob Cohen directly impacts the scalability of training programs. Cohen maintains a focus on driving job-ready outcomes for students in remote areas, ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant to evolving labor market needs. Through consistent engagement with regional employers, the Chief Executive Officer - AET TAFE Western secures long-term partnerships that bolster the economic vitality of the western New South Wales region.

Louise Coutts, the Chief Financial Officer at TAFE NSW, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial planning for the organization. Overseeing budget allocation across all campuses and digital delivery platforms, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources support the expansion of critical sectors like digital and cyber training. This leadership role involves rigorous financial reporting and risk management to maintain the stability of public funding. By optimizing capital expenditure, Louise Coutts directly impacts the ability of the institution to invest in modern infrastructure and technology. Coutts collaborates with other executives to align financial strategies with the overarching goal of providing accessible education. Through precise fiscal oversight, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial foundation necessary for TAFE NSW to continue delivering high-impact vocational training and customized employer solutions across the state.

Susannah Le Bron, the Chief Operating Officer at TAFE NSW, directs the daily operational activities across the extensive network of campuses and online delivery channels. Overseeing the logistics of course delivery and facility management, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that educational services meet the highest standards of quality and safety. This role involves coordinating with academic leaders to maintain efficient workflows in sectors ranging from construction to creative industries. By implementing scalable operational models, Susannah Le Bron directly impacts the student experience and the effectiveness of workplace-based training. Le Bron monitors performance metrics to identify areas for process improvement, ensuring that operational capacity matches the growing demand for vocational skills. Through the management of physical and digital assets, the Chief Operating Officer supports the seamless execution of the TAFE NSW mission to build job-ready skills for the modern workforce.

Basil Ben, the Chief of Staff at TAFE NSW, coordinates executive operations and facilitates cross-departmental communication to ensure organizational alignment. Managing the flow of information to the leadership team, the Chief of Staff drives the execution of high-priority initiatives across all vocational sectors. This role involves synthesizing complex data from various departments to support informed decision-making by the executive board. By streamlining internal processes, Basil Ben directly impacts the efficiency of administrative functions. Ben monitors the progress of strategic projects, ensuring that institutional goals remain on track despite shifting market conditions. Through rigorous oversight of organizational workflows, the Chief of Staff maintains operational cohesion across the entire TAFE NSW network, fostering a culture of accountability and transparency that supports the broader mission of delivering high-quality education and training to diverse learner populations.

Nicole Cutler, the Director, Procurement Strategy Governance & Chief People Officer at TAFE NSW, manages the dual responsibilities of human capital development and strategic procurement. Overseeing talent acquisition and workforce training, the Director, Procurement Strategy Governance & Chief People Officer ensures that the organization attracts and retains top-tier educators and administrative staff. This role also involves architecting procurement frameworks that guarantee cost-effective sourcing of educational materials and technology. By aligning personnel policies with procurement efficiency, Nicole Cutler directly impacts the overall operational agility of the institution. Cutler fosters a culture of professional growth, ensuring that the workforce remains equipped to handle the complexities of modern vocational education. Through the integration of human resources and procurement governance, the Director, Procurement Strategy Governance & Chief People Officer drives organizational excellence, supporting the delivery of high-quality training programs across all TAFE NSW sectors.