All TEC directors now in place

19 February 2007

All TEC directors now in place

Key senior leadership positions in the newly-structured Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) have been filled, with the announcement today of the rest of the directors who comprise the senior management team.

“TEC directors have pivotal roles to play as we begin to implement the tertiary education reforms over the coming months. They will also play vital internal roles as transition to the newly-structured TEC continues,” said TEC Chief Executive Janice Shiner.

The TEC is in the middle of implementing the tertiary education reforms announced by the Minister for Tertiary Education, the Hon Dr Michael Cullen in July last year.

The reforms will ensure the tertiary education funded by the government delivers on regional and national priorities, and better meets the needs of key groups such as learners, employers and communities.

In order to be able to fulfil its new functions under the reforms, the TEC is realigning its resources and a new structure will be fully in place by 1 July 2007.

Ms Shiner said appointment of the directors was the culmination of a thorough selection process.
“I was heartened by the number of excellent internal and external candidates with such a strong commitment to tertiary education and the goals of the tertiary education reforms.

“I am confident the balance and the complementary mix of experience and expertise in the new team will provide the TEC with the strategic strength, leadership and energy it needs to implement the reforms.”

Announcements on appointments to the other key new senior roles of Stakeholder Engagement Managers and Investment Managers are expected by the end of March.

Biographies

Janice Shiner
Chief Executive

Janice Shiner started as Chief Executive of the TEC in July 2005 and is leading reform of the tertiary education sector.

Janice came to New Zealand from the United Kingdom, where she held several senior positions in the education sector. Most recently Janice was Director General of the Lifelong Learning Directorate of the Department of Education and Skills based in London, where she was responsible for tertiary education.

Janice also has a background in human resources and management.

Colin Webb
Deputy Chief Executive/Chief Advisor

Colin Webb joined the Transition Tertiary Education Commission, the unit that established the TEC, in September 2001, and has held a range of strategic policy positions since.

Colin was the Acting General Manager for six months between December 2004 and July 2005, after which he was appointed as Deputy Chief Executive.

Colin has particular responsibility for the strategic direction of the tertiary education reforms. He also contributes to the TEC’s work with universities and on research activities.

Colin previously worked in strategy positions at the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (where he was also responsible for all funding allocation), and the Crown Research Institute, Landcare Research Manaaki Whenua.

Susan Shipley
Director Policy Advice and Government Services

Susan Shipley has been TEC Group Manager, Policy and Advice since 2003. During this time, Susan has played a key leadership role and headed up services to the Minister for Tertiary Education.

Prior to that, Susan was Policy Manager at Skill New Zealand, the funding body and lead agency for Industry Training, Modern Apprenticeships and targeted training programmes in the 1990s.

Susan is a career public servant and has worked in a range of government policy and implementation roles relating to education, training and employment.

David Nicholson
Director Tertiary Network

David Nicholson joins the TEC from the Ministry of Health, where he has been a general manager for the past three years and been responsible for co-ordinating strategic and business planning functions, financial planning and funding and purchasing decisions.

David began his working life as a teacher and since then, has held management roles in the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services, and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

Carolyn Murphy
Director Tertiary Providers and Service Centre

Carolyn Murphy has been with the TEC for nearly three years and is currently acting Group Manager Liaison and Development.

Prior to joining the TEC, Carolyn has held the position of Dean in the Faculty of Applied Management at Waikato Institute of Technology.

Carolyn has extensive experience in senior operational and strategic management roles in the health and telecommunications industries, and has practised in the areas of commercial and employment law.

Barbara Tebbs
Director Stakeholder Engagement and Investment Guidance

Barbara Tebbs joined the TEC in September last year after eleven years working in industry training, five as General Manager of the Seafood Industry Training Organisation.

Barbara served two years as Deputy Chair of the Industry Training Federation and has represented the industry training sector and seafood industry on a wide range of government planning and advisory groups.

Barbara’s previous work involved a variety of management and development roles in teaching and in adult education and training.

Pauline Barnes
Director Strategic Services

Pauline Barnes has over twenty years experience in various consulting, management and leadership roles in New Zealand and overseas.

Pauline joined the TEC in 2004 when she returned to New Zealand following nine years in Romania, where she helped set up and manage a humanitarian foundation.

Pauline has held a number of roles in the TEC including Manager Foundation and Community Funds, Acting Group Manager Steering and Investment, and her current role leading policy development and implementation around funding as part of the tertiary education reforms.

Geoff Williamson
Director Corporate Services

Geoff Williamson comes to the TEC from the National Library where he was most recently Chief Financial Officer, after holding other roles in financial and corporate services at the library.

Geoff has also worked in auditing and business services at accounting firm Deloitte, in both Wellington and London.

Ends

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