Bendigo TAFE is pleased to announce the appointment of Maria Simpson as its chief executive officer to lead the institute through its next strategic phase. Ms Simpson will officially step into the role of CEO after acting in the position following the resignation of Dr Louise Harvey in November 2011.

The appointment follows an intensive search and rigorous interview process that attracted applicants both interstate and overseas.

Ms O’Rourke said the board was unanimous in its support for Ms Simpson in the role of CEO.

“The board was impressed with Maria’s experience in organisational management and leadership skills which the board believes ideally place her to lead Bendigo TAFE into its next exciting phase,” Ms O’Rourke said.

Ms Simpson expressed her delight at the appointment.

“I’m looking forward to working with our staff and stakeholders to achieve Bendigo TAFE’s vision of delivering quality outcomes in a supportive learning environment,” Ms Simpson said.

“Bendigo TAFE is a wonderful education provider and is proud of its role in Bendigo’s history. I look forward to being part of the growth and prosperity of the institute over the next few years.”

Graduating from La Trobe University in arts and education, Ms Simpson worked in Victorian state secondary schools for almost 20 years. She taught a wide range of subjects, working largely in programs focused on students at risk.

Since the early 1990s, Ms Simpson worked at senior executive levels within Telstra Corporation and held roles including National Manager, Management Development Group in Telstra’s internal training organisation, Group Manager Corporate Responsibility and National Manager, Telstra Foundation. She holds several qualifications including a Bachelor of Arts, Diploma of Education and a Masters in Business Administration.

"My experience in business allows me to appreciate the bigger context in which we at Bendigo TAFE operate and the opportunities we need to seize for success in our highly competitive environment," she said.

"I strongly believe we have the skills, passion and commitment at Bendigo TAFE to deliver high quality training and skill development in a supportive learning environment that results in success not only for our students and teachers but also for Bendigo and our wider community."

Ms Simpson has been a member of several advisory councils including the Immigration Museum in Victoria, onTrac Program at Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute and La Trobe Graduate School of Management. Ms Simpson is currently a director at Castlemaine Health.