The leadership team to usher in a new era for vocational education and training in Northern Victoria is now in place.

Tuesday, 3 February 2026

The leadership team to usher in a new era for vocational education and training in Northern Victoria is now in place. 

A six-person Executive Leadership Team has been appointed to Northern Victoria Institute of TAFE (NVITAFE), the entity established following the amalgamation of GOTAFE and Wodonga TAFE 

They report to Phil Paterson who was confirmed as NVITAFE CEO by an Interim Board appointed by the Minister for Skills and TAFE. 

The team, which began in their roles this week, consists of: 

• Luke Surace Executive Director, Services Education and Student Experience 

• Graham Hart Executive Director, Trades Education and Contract Delivery 

• Belinda Leskie Executive Director, Finance and Operations (including Chief Financial Officer) 

• Damien Crawley Executive Director, Growth and Partnerships 

• Carolyn Davis Executive Director, People and Capability 

• Chris Logue General Manager, RTO Governance 

Find out more about these leaders on the newly launched NVITAFE website: NVITAFE | Executive

All six members of the Executive Leadership Team not only have extensive experience as Directors in the TAFE sector, but are already familiar faces to GOTAFE and Wodonga TAFE staff and can ensure that NVITAFE hits the ground running in 2026 and beyond. 

This team will work closely together to ensure NVITAFE delivers on the opportunities created through amalgamation - including stronger pathways, expanded course offerings, equity of access, and deeper industry partnerships. 

A big part of delivering these benefits is having consistent executive and senior leader presence at key campuses, ensuring connection with staff, students, industry and the wider community – and the appointment of a new Executive Leadership Team is an important step.