Board Of Directors

Dr Rocco Guarnaccia

Independent Member, Board of Directors (Chair)

Rocco Guarnaccia has been actively involved in the education sector for over 30 years as a teacher, manager, senior executive and co-founder of a registered
training organisation (RTO). During this time, he has worked in the government (TAFE), university, private/corporate and non-for-profit sectors in many different
roles.

As well as serving on the Melbourne Graduate School of Education Research Committee, Rocco was a member of the Victorian State Committee for ACPET
before it change to ITECA.

In a professional capacity, Rocco has undertaken research roles in Advancing interprofessional cultural competence training in allied health programs at The
University of Melbourne as well as being involved in the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program: ENLIVEN Policy Trail Review – Transition to Work Community
of Practice with the Melbourne Graduate School of Education.

Rocco has recently completed a Doctor of Education from The University of Melbourne that focused on the organisational sustainability of commercial for-
profit training providers within the VET sector. His research centered on the impact of the pedagogical, governance and business aspects of the organisation
and why some training providers succeeded while others failed. He also holds a Master of Education, Postgraduate Diploma of Education and Training and
Bachelor of Education and Training from The University of Melbourne.

As the current Chair of the Board of Directors at Barton Business School, Rocco oversees the establishment and implementation of the strategy and direction of
the school as well as managing the business and governance standards of the organisation.

Dr Wendy Cahill AM DSG

Independent Member, Board of Directors

Dr Wendy Cahill accepted the award of Member of the Order of Australia, AM ‘for significant service to education, to professional standards development and to improved outcomes for students. Teaching and principalship in schools and teaching in higher education, prepared Wendy to serve in several senior administrative positions, including her role as head of academic leadership at the University of Melbourne, where she worked on leadership challenges and strategic agendas with the Deans and Department Heads across the faculties of the University. She was appointed to an honorary position on the Attorney General’s Law Reform Advisory Council and consulted widely also to other universities as well as private and public sector organisations, where she assisted in initiating appraisal processes, review and strategy planning, as well as facilitating consultancy in change, leader formation, risk management and student engagement.

Recipient of a prestigious Fulbright award, her interest in international education was expanded and she was offered the position as Head of International Networking for Educational Transformation (iNet Australia) where she led transformative educational practices across State, Catholic and Independent education sectors in Australia. Working with the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT) in England, she led groups of young leaders on international school visits and initiated similar visits with senior educators also working with eminent educational academics and joining workshops at OECD and UNESCO. Participating in ‘think tank’ discussions and international conferences in countries including England, Ireland, Scotland, Singapore, USA, Canada, Mauritius, Sweden, Finland, Holland and South Africa, Wendy continues an active interest in a global approach to raising achievement in teaching and learning. Wendy was awarded a Papal Honour DSG (Dame) for her meritorious contributions to the Catholic Church especially through education; and an ACEL national award citing ‘distinguished service to education and significant influence on educational and public policy’.

Sanjeev Gill

Member, Board of Directors

Chief Executive Officer

Sanjeev is a highly experienced and accomplished professional with over 25 years of experience in various sectors such as Education, Hospitality, and Property. He holds a Master of Education from the University of Melbourne, a Postgraduate qualification in Information Systems Management and a Bachelor’s degree in hospitality. Additionally, he has been honoured with the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award from the Central Queensland University, further underscoring his exceptional academic record.

He has held numerous senior management positions in both public and private sectors and has achieved remarkable success in his career. During his time as a senior executive, Sanjeev was responsible for running one of the largest privately owned institutes across four different states in Australia. His contribution to the institute was instrumental in achieving significant growth, from 200 students to 9000 students over seven years.

Sanjeev’s expertise and leadership skills helped Carrick Education Group become a private higher education provider, and he won several accolades for the institution during his senior leadership role.

During his tenure at Swinburne University, Sanjeev successfully led the Hospitality division to win the state-level award and expanded the industry and global presence for various faculties at the dual-sector provider.

Sanjeev’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found SILK Education & Training, which received the Industry Best Practice award by Hospitality Industry Professionals. He was the CEO of SILK until he sold the company to an Australian publicly listed company in 2015.

Sanjeev’s achievements have been recognised through several awards, including the Australia India Young Executive of the Year award and the National Business Professional of the Year Finalist in 2019. He has also served in various community activities, including serving as a Board member for Young Achievers Foundation, AFL Multicultural Ambassador, Vinnies CEO Sleepout, fundraising for National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) and many more.

Dr Leonie Clyne OAM DJSJ

Independent Member, Board of Directors

Independent Member, Academic Board (Chair)

Awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Flinders University, Leonie later established Angus Clyne Australia P/L, a corporate apparel business. Leonie served as a member of the Vocational Education, Employment and Training Board (SA) and as a Member of the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA) Board.

Leonie has been involved with and assisted the business community through her roles on many business advisory boards. A selection of her past appointments includes as a Member of the Small Business Advisory Council, SA; the Small Business Finance Advisory Panel of the Reserve Bank of Australia; and Chair, SA Wool Development Board.

Leonie served Flinders University as a Member of Council from 2002 to 2018 and as Deputy Chancellor from 2009 to 2016. She was a member of the Senior Staff Remuneration Committee, Awards Committee, Governance Committee, Strategic Resources Committee, Strategic Marketing Committee and Executive Committee. She also chaired the Boards of Flinders Campus Community Services and Flinders Consulting and was a Board Member of Flinders Partners; all University subsidiaries.

Numerous awards include Angus Clyne Australia’s listing in BRW’s Top 100 Fastest Growing Private Australian Companies, the Inaugural Enterprising Woman of the Year Award in 1997, and the Prime Minister’s Small Business of the Year Award in 1999.

In 2015 she was recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to tertiary and vocational education, and to business.

Leonie was a recipient of Flinders University Distinguished Alumni Award in 2006 and in 2021, the degree of Doctor of the University honoris causa.