Chisholm has been structured to encourage innovative and responsive leadership from within and across all levels. Teaching and professional business areas are organised in business groups under the responsibility of executives.

Stephen Varty

Chief Executive Officer

Stephen Varty has been the Chief Executive Officer of Chisholm Institute since November 2019. Previously holding the position of Chief of Education at Chisholm, Director of Innovation and Engagement at Victoria University, and various other senior managerial positions in the VET and HE sectors in both the UK and Australia. Stephen's extensive experience is a testament to his commitment to the education sector.

Stephen brings a values-driven and relational leadership style to the CEO role. Known for his strategic outlook, approachability, and integrity Stephen nurtures a collaborative workplace culture. His passion lies in education, leading the implementation of innovative practices, creative training solutions, and his commitment to coaching and leadership execution, which are all aimed at transforming and elevating the competence and productivity of individuals and business.

At Chisholm, Stephen's focus on student growth and infrastructure development reflect his long-term vision for the institute to make a significant impact to students educational journey and to the communities and businesses Chisholm serve.

Stephen's holds a Bachelor of Education in VET from Charles Sturt University, and a Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership, and a Masters of Education, from Victoria University.

Jane McLennan

Chief of Student Success and Support

Jane joined Chisholm in March 2018 as the Chief of Staff, with a focus on external and government relations, and broader communication for the Institute. In September 2019, she was appointed to the newly created position of Chief of Student Success and Support which has a major focus on the student and employer experience at Chisholm.

Jane has extensive experience across the VET sector at both stand-alone TAFE Institutes and Dual Sector Universities. Prior to commencing at Chisholm, she was the Assistant Director Vocational Education at RMIT where she was providing high-level strategic advice for the Vocational Education (VE) sector and advising on issues affecting the educational outcome of VE activities within the University. Jane has also held various senior positions at Victoria University and Melbourne Polytechnic that have ranged from VET Practitioner, Head of School and Senior Executive.

Jane has studied a Bachelor of Applied Science (Physical Education), has Graduate Certificates in Management, Educational Leadership and Tertiary Education and has a Master’s in Education (VET). She is passionate about providing an outstanding student experience and delivering high quality education due to the broad impact it can have on individuals and the wider community.

Damien Van Eyk

Chief Commercial Officer

Damien Van Eyk joined Chisholm in May 2021 as the Chief Commercial Officer, spearheading the institute's strategic Commercial initiatives. Damien’s focus is on securing and amplifying associations with local, national and global partners, thereby propelling Chisholm's commercial pursuits.

Damien’s diverse background includes roles with major international enterprises across diverse regions. His contributions span a multitude of cultural landscapes, encompassing expansive large organisations in Australia, Asia and the Middle East, as well as collaborations with small to medium enterprises. Damien’s achievements include General Manager of Air New Zealand Taiwan which culminated in the successful reestablishment of the company's footprint in Taiwan.

Damien's background includes roles spanning an array of sectors, including aviation, wholesale and retail trade, including roles based in Australia and the dynamic markets of Taiwan, Dubai, and Cambodia.

Damien has an Executive Masters in Business Administration from RMIT University.

Jessica Corbett

Chief of Strategy and Risk

Jessica joined Chisholm’s Executive Leadership Group in 2021. Jessica is accountable for the Office of the CEO, strategy and strategic projects; strategic communications and government relations; board and corporate governance, audit and risk; organisational planning and performance.

Jess is an experienced leader who has worked across both public and private sectors, implementing complex projects across her career. Prior to working at Chisholm, Jess was a Principal Consultant who provided strategy and design consultancy services to TAFE providers across Victoria. Jess has held various leadership positions within the Victorian Department of Education and Training, including policy and implementation roles. Prior to working in the public sector, Jess was the Manager for Service Design and Strategy at Deloitte Digital.

Jess holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Education from the University of Melbourne.

Conor Mullan

Chief of Education

Conor is a highly experienced education leader and executive with a passion for creating engaging learning environments and programs that prepare students to excel in their chosen industries.

Conor joined Chisholm in 2009 and has since held roles including Teacher, Manager, General Manager and Associate Director. Conor commenced as the Chief of Education in August 2021, overseeing education delivery and development across the Institute.

With a Master's degree in Educational Leadership, Conor has consistently displayed his passion for driving positive change in the education sector. He has held key leadership roles where he has implemented innovative strategies to enhance learning outcomes and fostered a culture of continuous improvement.

Conor's ability to analyse complex challenges and devise effective solutions has earned him a reputation as a strategic thinker. Known for his inspiring leadership style and collaborative approach, Conor has successfully motivated teams to achieve remarkable results and create impactful educational environments.

In addition to his Master of Education, Conor holds a Bachelor of Education and a Diploma of Outdoor Education.

Lliam Freeman

Chief of Academic Excellence and Innovation

Lliam brings a wealth of experience from the tertiary education sector, working predominately within the VET sector across a range of roles. His career includes roles in teaching, consulting, coordinating, and leadership at both managerial and executive levels. Lliam joins us from RMIT where he most recently held the position of Director – Creative Industries. Whilst at RMIT, he also held the roles of Associate Director – Creative Industries, Associate Dean and Deputy Dean in Vocational Education – Media, Art and Communications. Prior to this, Lliam worked at Melbourne Polytechnic in several roles including Acting Head of Faculty – Creative Arts.

Lliam holds a Master and Bachelor of Education from the University of Melbourne, a Master of Arts (Music Performance) from Monash University, and a Certificate IV in Small Business Management from RMIT University. He has also completed a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE).

In his role within the Executive Leader’s Group, Lliam’s focus will be on optimisation of learning experience, championing our education strategy and overseeing the implementation of Chisholm’s Education Quality Framework.

Delia McIver

Chief People Officer

Delia joined Chisholm in 2016 as the Executive Director People and Culture and became the Chief People Officer in February 2020. In her position, Delia leads initiatives that reinforce a positive organisational culture, emphasising employee experiences, social justice, and inclusion, and the safety and well-being of all at Chisholm.

Prior to Chisholm, Delia held significant roles in the higher education sector, including Executive Director People and Culture at Box Hill Institute of TAFE and Director, Human Resources at Victoria University. Her diverse experience includes employee and industrial relations roles in the manufacturing and health sectors, and international experience in post-secondary education from her time in Bandung, Indonesia.

Delia holds a Bachelor of Economics and Politics from Monash University, a Bachelor of Education from La Trobe University, and a postgraduate Diploma in Industrial Relations from the University of Melbourne. Delia has completed studies in Leadership at The University of Melbourne Business School and at Maricopa Community College in Phoenix Arizona and Chicago Illinois. Delia has studied Law at Monash University and Commerce at a Master’s level at The University of Melbourne. Beyond her professional role, Delia actively contributes to the community as a Board Director for Better Place Australia and Chair of its People and Governance Committee.

Richard Pratten

Chief of Campus Operations and Technology

Richard joined Chisholm in 2019, he is currently the Director of Infrastructure and IT and has oversite of the Campus Services, Property, Information Technology (IT) and Projects portfolios.

Richard is a highly accomplished and trusted senior executive with extensive experience in the education sector. His professional journey has spanned various sectors, encompassing both the public and private spheres in Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.

He possesses a wealth of senior management experience, particularly in overseeing substantial outsourced delivery contracts, including significant roles within the Defence and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sectors. Additionally, Richard has played integral roles in successfully executing large-scale infrastructure projects and overseeing effective change management initiatives.

Richard has a comprehensive understanding of risk management and compliance, with expertise in public construction, Victorian Government Procurement, Victorian Protective Data Security, and Emergency Management.

Ben Hellier

Chief Finance Officer

Ben Hellier joined Chisholm in 2019 as the General Manager, Financial Planning and Analytics. Ben has commenced as Chisholm’s Chief Financial Officer from April 2023, overseeing financial services and data and analytics.

Ben is a strategic finance and governance professional who is passionate about driving organisational strategy, performance and decision making through the use of data and analytics. Ben has worked in various senior leadership positions across commercial and not-for-profit sectors and enjoys developing teams who challenge the status quo. Prior to Chisholm, Ben helped support the transition of Vision Australia to operate under a new consumer driven market being the NDIS and My Aged Care.

Ben is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) and holds a Bachelor of Business in Accountancy.