Phil brings a strong commercial background, and 9 years of experience within the TAFE sector at Wodonga TAFE - as Chief Finance Officer and Chief Executive Officer.

As CEO of NVITAFE, Phil provides leadership and advice to the NVITAFE Board on establishing objectives, policies, priorities and plans in support of operational and strategic objectives.

Phil leads the Executive Leadership Team to deliver of the strategic objectives of the Board, supporting the provision of high-quality and accessible Vocational Education for our communities, industries, and partners.

Phil demonstrates values-based leadership to work with fantastic teams at NVITAFE, contributing to positive outcomes for students, staff and our nation.

Luke Surace is an experienced education leader whose career began at GOTAFE, where he completed a Diploma of Graphic Design followed by a Diploma of Education and Training. From his early days as a sessional Graphic Design Educator, he has been committed to creating engaging learning experiences that support practical, real-world skill development.

His career spans entrepreneurial ventures and senior roles across the VET sector. As cofounder of The Academy, he developed hands on programs that supported practical learners, while his time at Kangan Institute strengthened his expertise in blended learning and project management through largescale initiatives in the Textile and Fashion Hub.

Luke returned to GOTAFE in 2022 as Director of Trades and Built Environment before becoming Executive Director of Education. His breadth of experience, combined with a commitment to learner-centred education, now underpins his leadership as Executive Director – Education Services and Student Experience at NVITAFE.

Graham Hart began his career as an Apprentice in Sports Turf Management with the University of Sydney Sports Union, building a strong foundation in hands-on industry practice. He went on to develop a decadelong career in sports turf and recreation within local government before discovering his passion for vocational education through mentoring apprentices.

Nineteen years ago, Graham joined Wodonga TAFE as a Teacher in Sports Turf Management, later progressing through several leadership roles across the Agriculture and Horticulture Department. His appointments as General Manager – Education and Training, and later Executive Director – Education and Training, broadened his operational and strategic leadership capability.

Graham has overseen major Defence Force training programs including Driver Training, Traditional Trades and Medic training. His deep experience supporting apprenticeship pathways and leading Defence training initiatives now serves as a strong foundation for his leadership as Executive Director – Trades Education and Contract Delivery at NVITAFE.

Belinda Leskie is an accomplished finance and operations executive with over 20 years of experience leading organisational transformation across the education, defence and corporate sectors. A CPA, MBA graduate and GAICD member, she brings a strategic and people focused approach to her role as Executive Director – Operations at NVITAFE.

Belinda’s leadership foundations were shaped in the Royal Australian Navy before she progressed into financial roles at MARS Financial Services and later Chief Financial Officer at Wodonga TAFE. She has successfully delivered major capital projects, digital transformation initiatives, procurement reform and national Defence training contracts, strengthening capability across multiple operational functions.

Guided by values of teamwork, integrity and inclusion, Belinda is passionate about empowering high performing teams and building organisational capability. Her commitment to developing people continues to guide her leadership as Executive Director – Operations (including Chief Financial Officer) at NVITAFE.

Damien Crawley brings a diverse career spanning clinical health, executive leadership and largescale Defence partnerships to his role as Executive Director – Growth and Partnerships. He began as a registered nurse specialising in emergency care before moving into senior information management roles, culminating as CIO for Southern NSW Health.

He joined Wodonga TAFE in 2008, initially managing shared services across ICT, facilities, childcare and records. Damien later spent six years as Director of Community Services and Health, where he secured Wodonga TAFE’s first Defence Medics contract.

His leadership then expanded into Defence tendering and long-term partnership development, resulting in significant national contracts.

Today Damien leads a specialist team overseeing four major Defence contracts. His strong record in strategic partnerships and Defence collaboration now shapes his leadership as Executive Director – Growth and Partnerships at NVITAFE.

Carolyn Davis (she/her) is an experienced executive leader with almost 30 years working across human resources, organisational development, workplace relations, wellbeing, IT and early childhood learning. As Executive Director – People and Capability, she leads workforce strategy, capability development and organisational culture across NVITAFE.

Carolyn is deeply committed to creating inclusive, high performing workplaces where people feel supported to grow and succeed. She has shaped culture and capability across multiple community focused organisations, ensuring people strategies align with organisational goals, values and long-term workforce needs.

Active in her community, Carolyn serves on the Committee of a local sporting club and on the Board of a national organisation delivering employment, health and training programs. Her ability to align people, culture and purpose continues to underpin her leadership as Executive Director – People and Capability at NVITAFE.

Chris leads multiple teams that ensure the high quality and compliant delivery of training and partnerships. These teams include Student Administration; Educational Design and Technology; Apprentices, Trainees and Partnerships; and Quality Learning and Teaching.

Chris has an overarching view of the student journey with, from a training and assessment viewpoint - from enrolment to receiving a qualification, certificate or statement of attainment. Chris ensures the adherence of the RTOs to VET Quality Framework and funding requirements.

This further assures the quality and accountability of NVITAFE's (GOTAFE and Wodonga TAFE as the RTOs) delivery to students and the compliance of our interactions with our key markets.