Our People

Bernadette Mills

Chair

Bernadette Mills’ career started in retail fashion and business management before moving into the adult education sector. She joined the St George and Sutherland Community College (SGSCC) management team in 2011. She has gained unparalleled experience in the adult education sector, establishing herself as a respected leader within the College and the wider community.

Currently the CEO of SGSCC, she is widely known and respected for her leadership and mentorship skills and her compassion, open-mindedness, and approachability. Bernadette is not fearful of hard work and is purposeful in taking decisive action to enrich the lives of our College and community. Outside of College, with her enquiring mind and curious nature, she researches ways to develop her skills and the skills of others to create resilient people, leaders, and teams. Hence, we create compassionate communities in which we serve.

Her belief is we learn, we grow!

Debbie Laarkamp

Deputy Chair

Debbie is the General Manager of the Central Coast Community College and has 35 years’ experience in both the private and public VET system which places her in the unique position of understanding challenges across the broader VET sector. Debbie has extensive leadership experience having held many senior leadership roles responsible for strategy, governance, risk and financial management.

Debbie has a Masters of Education, Bachelor of Adult Education, Diploma of Leadership & Management, Diploma of Project Management and is a certified Change Manager. Debbie has a passion for lifelong learning and providing opportunities for everyone to reach their potential. Debbie has held several Board positions in the non-for-profit sector and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Jade Vermeer

Treasurer

Jade Vermeer is the Chief Operating Officer at Tamworth Community College, having worked for the College for over 10 years. She holds a Diploma of Management and VET qualifications in Business. Jade’s experience spans across both the non-profit and corporate sectors, including positions at BOC Operations Centre QLD and Leighton Holdings Ltd, specialising in operational and strategic planning, leadership and accounting.

Her passion and belief in personal development and professional training have enabled her to develop a diverse range of skills including project management, change management and marketing, as well as empowering the individuals she leads to achieve outstanding goals and contribute to organisational success and her community.

Kerry Johnson

Director

Kerry Johnson has been the CEO of ACE Community Colleges since 2006 and has overseen the growth of the College expansion into Queensland, opening two campuses on the Gold Coast. Kerry started her work in education as a primary school teacher in South East Queensland where she taught for five years. In 2003 she was appointed Executive Director of Recreation Training Queensland, an Industry Training Advisory Body for sport, outdoor recreation, fitness, horse racing and gambling, which propelled her into the world of VET. She has an extensive background in the management of not-for-profit organisations and has held positions on various boards including Sports Federation Queensland and Co-operative Learning Ltd.

David Martin

Director

With a background in education administration and business, David Martin joined Western Riverina Community College in 2004. Since then, David has been instrumental in driving the College’s impressive expansion. Through additional board roles with Community Colleges Australia – including a number of years as CCA Chair, David has also helped to develop and strengthen the contribution of community colleges across Australia. David holds a Master of Education Leadership and Policy, Bachelor of Adult Learning and Development, as well as qualifications in business and accounting. Also known for his involvement in the community, David received the Governor-General’s Award for services provided to Scouting Australia in 2011 and was named ACT Rugby Volunteer of the Year. A keen sailor in his leisure time, David completed a two-week sailing voyage from Australian to New Zealand aboard HMB Bark Endeavour (replica) in 2019.