About us
Community College Gippsland Board
The CCG Board oversees the governance of ECG Secondary College.
Joshua Chikuse
Board Chair
Joshua has experience in strategic planning, change and project management, achieving sustainable and economic solutions for government and community. Joshua is a collaborative leader, passionate about diversity, inclusion and positive change.
Joshua joined the Board as a voting director in 2021.
Kirsten Fox
Deputy Chair
Kirstin has dedicated her career to the health sector, first joining the industry as a nurse and progressing to Residential Care Manager. Kirstin is passionate about creating community connections and is invested in providing students with real-world experience.
Kirstin joined the Board as a voting director in 2018.
Jemma Swan
Board Director
Jemma is an economics and social policy specialist with experience in the private sector and Victorian Government. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She grew up in both east and west Gippsland and has a strong interest in youth engagement.
Jemma joined the Board as a voting director in 2017.
Michael Klein
Board Director
Michael has experience in quality analysis, process improvement, team leadership and management, both in the health sector and computer industry. Michael also has strengths in governance, compliance, risk management and reporting.
Michael joined the Board as a voting director in 2022.
Benjamin Hollier
Board Director
Ben has over 20 years of experience in the financial services sector and is a Certified Financial Planner (FPA member). He has spent time abroad teaching English as a second language and is passionate about helping students get access to the best opportunities in their development.
Ben joined the Board as a voting Director in 2024.
Anita Tan
Board Director
Anita is a registered psychologist and full member of the Australian Association of Psychologists, with more than 15 years of operational and leadership experience in diverse environments in the legal, health, and education sectors. Anita has a deep commitment to working with culturally diverse populations and is a psychology board-endorsed clinical supervisor.
Anita joined the Board as a voting Director in 2024.
Christina Campbell
Board Director
Christina has extensive experience in the public health sector clinically and in senior leadership and is a member of the Australian College of Nursing and the Australian College of Health Service Management. Christina is passionate about making a difference in healthcare workforce and service provision. Christina has extensive improvement and leadership experience and holds a Masters in Business Administration and is a member of Australian Institute of Company Directors. She is an advocate for education, female and community leadership and is a member of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard. Christina is currently working at the Royal Melbourne Hospital as a Project Manager.
Christina joined the CCG Board in a non-voting Cadet position in 2024.
Sarah Wilton
Board Director
Sarah Wilton has over 20 years of experience in senior finance roles across the education, legal and property services sectors. A Certified Practising Accountant and Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, she brings strong expertise in strategic planning, financial sustainability and organisational performance. With experience as a secondary teacher and a Master of Teaching, Sarah offers valuable insight into curriculum, pedagogy and student wellbeing.
Sarah joined the Board as a voting Director in 2025.
Jennifer Sorthi
Board Director
Jenn brings extensive experience in education governance, quality assurance, and organisational oversight across the vocational and community education sectors. She brings a strong capability in strategic planning, risk, audit, and compliance oversight, as well as financial stewardship, supporting accountable and sustainable governance. Jenn is deeply committed to providing accessible, inclusive education and strengthening regional communities through meaningful educational opportunities and workforce pathways. She values collaborative, ethical, and evidence-based decision-making, with a strong focus on community impact and continuous improvement.
Jenn joined the Board as a voting director in 2025.
Jessica Taylor
Cadet Board Director
Jessica Taylor is a certified Genetic Counsellor at Monash Health and Melbourne Health, with a strong commitment to community‑focused healthcare and education. She holds a Master of Genetic Counselling and has completed specialist leadership training through the University of Melbourne, strengthening her skills in advocacy, strategic thinking, and collaborative problem solving. Jessica’s early experience working in a school in Gippsland shaped her dedication to supporting young people and fostering inclusive learning environments. She brings a thoughtful, evidence‑based approach to the school board and is excited to contribute to the CCG community’s ongoing growth and wellbeing.
Marta James
Cadet Board Director
Marta has built her career in digital, technology and commercial leadership, driving strategy and customer-led innovation across complex organisations. She has led large-scale digital transformation programs, aligning technology investment with business outcomes and strengthening long-term value creation. Marta brings a strategic, governance-minded perspective, with a focus on sustainable growth, risk-aware decision-making and future-ready digital capability.
Marta joined the Board as a cadet in 2026.
Join the Cadet Director Observer Program
As part of our ongoing commitment to building skills and knowledge in local leaders, CCG invites two people per year to join the Cadet Director Observer Program. Gain first-hand experience on the Board with the opportunity to contribute to all matters as a non-voting Director of the organisation.
Join the CCG Board of Directors
CCG is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, committed to guiding the organisation to achieve its strategic objectives and positively change lives through the transformative power of education.
Leadership
ECG Secondary College is a registered Independent School – school number 2062. ECG Secondary College is a division of Community College Gippsland (CCG) and is governed by a board of volunteers. The board plays a critical role in overseeing the development of the organisation.
ECG Secondary College adheres to the following democratic principles: The programs of, and teaching in, a school must support and promote the principles and practice of Australian democracy, including a commitment to:
- elected government
- the rule of law
- equal rights for all before the law
- freedom of religion
- freedom of speech and association
- the values of openness and tolerance
Our leadership team
Dale Gemmell
Executive Principal
Russel Praetz
Principal
Tanja Korsten
Assistant Principal Wellbeing
Bridget Cornish
Campus Principal – Leongatha
Eamon Hatley-Smith
Campus Principal – Pakenham
Michelle Lilford
Campus Principal – Warragul
Tim Dewar
Campus Principal – Dandenong
A tribute To
Terrylene Marks
Terrylene Marks joined the CCG Board in 2018 and served until her passing in 2021. Terrylene was a warm, vibrant, talented person who advocated strongly for people and community. She had a particular focus on engaging and empowering Koorie students to succeed in school and provided vital advice and support for achieving this aim, right across the Gippsland region. Terrylene’s contribution to our organisation was exceptional and she will be greatly missed. Her image and story are shared here with the permission of her family.