NEWHAVEN College is supported by a committed Board of Directors, made up of familiar and trusted members of both the College and the local community. Along with principal Tony Corr and director of business Alan Nolan, their role is to help shape the school’s direction and ensure the College continues to offer the best learning opportunities for students.
Recently, the Board convened over a weekend to discuss and decide on the College’s strategic and financial direction. After the session, chair of the Board, David Jobe said, “Learning, Care, Community, Sustainability and Innovation are the keys to the College’s Strategic direction – ‘Hearts and Minds’. This year, the board is focused on the ongoing implementation of each of these keys, with particular emphasis on the first: Learning.”
“Presentations from each of our Heads of School and our Director of Learning provided the Board with insight into the growing use of data in the classroom to deliver personalised learning for all our students,” he said.
“The Board commends our principal and his leadership team for their passion, care and commitment to excellence.”
College Board members bring valuable insight as current or former parents of Newhaven College students. David Jobe (member since 2015, chair since 2021) is an alumnus of the school. After serving as a Pilot Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force, David managed The Continental Phillip Island before establishing Southern Sustainable Developments, focused on eco-friendly residential projects.
Deputy chair, Rebecca Naughtin, also a College alumna, joined the Board in 2022. Rebecca has worked as an architect, tertiary tutor and coordinator, and has sat on various boards and panels. In 2012, Rebecca founded an architecture firm where she is the principal director. Rebecca’s experience in business, education and project management is hugely valuable to the College.
Kylie Holmes, who joined the Board in 2022, is in the role of treasurer. Kylie is the CEO of NEX Business Farming Wellness. She’s dedicated to supporting farmers and rural businesses with financial planning services. She is the treasurer of Food and Fibre Gippsland and a local business owner with her husband.
There are four other critical members of the Board. Graham McGregor joined in 2022. Originally from Edinburgh, Graham spent 25 years working in the global energy industry. Graham is a partner at PwC in their Energy Transition Advisory. He has a passion for coaching and specialises in helping organisations build new capabilities and improve their governance.
Steve Morris (2023) is a seasoned management professional with expertise in digital technology. He developed B2B Commerce solutions in the 1990s, after which he founded an IT services business, and now heads an ERP Software company.
Tracey Costello (2023) is an accomplished strategic leader with a depth of finance and governance experience across corporate, government and non-government organisations. She has had various roles as a senior executive in local and state government. Tracey is chief operating officer at VETASSESS, Australia’s largest skills assessment service.
The most recent member to join the Board, Damien McKenna (2024), is a principal lawyer of Duffy and Simon, who acts for numerous clients in the property and commercial areas. In addition, he has provided advice over the years for numerous independent schools, focusing on compliance, contractual and policy advice and guiding them through various legal challenges.
David Jobe’s vision for the Board is unwavering: “The Newhaven College Board is committed to supporting our Principal and his leadership team as they deliver on our shared vision – to inspire young people with knowledge, empathy and curiosity to engage in their world with confidence and a sense of purpose.”
