In a recent announcement, the Board for Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) has appointed Dr. Linda Sissons as the Acting Chief Executive, with her official takeover scheduled for November 20. Dr. Sissons is no stranger to New Zealand’s international education community, having previously served two terms on the ENZ Board and recently supported strategic development work as an Advisor to the outgoing Chief Executive, Grant McPherson. Her extensive experience in the tertiary and vocational education sector, along with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities it presents, makes her an ideal choice for this pivotal role.
Dr. Sissons’ background is impressive, having held the position of Chief Executive at several educational institutions, including UCOL, WelTec, and Primary ITO. Notably, she also completed two terms as the Chair of the Board of Governors for the Commonwealth of Learning, an intergovernmental agency that promotes technology-mediated learning for sustainable development throughout the Commonwealth.
To ensure a seamless transition, Dr. Sissons will work alongside Grant McPherson until mid-November. The Board is actively preparing for the recruitment of a permanent Chief Executive, with plans to advertise the role by the end of October.
This decision marks an important turning point for ENZ and the international education sector, as Dr. Sissons brings her wealth of knowledge and expertise to the forefront. Her prior roles as Chief Executive of the Wellington Institute of Technology and her leadership in education and training bodies in the Primary Sector showcase her dedication to the field. Furthermore, her significant contributions to the Commonwealth of Learning highlight her commitment to advancing education on a global scale.
Dr. Sissons’ journey in education management extends beyond New Zealand, including roles in the United Kingdom. Her academic achievements, such as holding a PhD from London University and completing the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Programme, underscore her commitment to excellence. She has also held key positions within various educational and business committees, demonstrating her wide-ranging skill set and influence in the education domain.
Dr. Linda Sissons served as the Chief Executive of the Wellington Institute of Technology for a significant 15-year period, from 2000 to 2015. Following her tenure there, she devoted four years to leading educational and training organizations in the Primary Sector, including the Taratahi Agricultural College from 2015 to 2016, and the Primary Industry Training Organization from 2016 to 2019. Notably, she also played a crucial role in the NZIST Establishment Board, where she co-led the Board’s workstream on “Mobilising the New World,” contributing to the development of important guidance for the incoming Council and Chief Executive of NZIST.
This transition coincides with the Board’s commitment to further enhance the quality of education in New Zealand and strengthen international ties. The departure of Grant McPherson, who has dedicated a significant portion of his career to ENZ, is recognized and celebrated by the Board as they express their gratitude for his long and loyal service.
In addition to her appointment as Acting Chief Executive, Dr. Sissons has played an instrumental role as Chair of the Commonwealth of Learning’s Board of Governors, succeeding the Honourable Burchell Whiteman. Her ability to lead educational institutions and establish partnerships with developing countries is widely acknowledged, emphasizing her unique capacity to tackle organizational challenges and drive progress.
This transition marks a new chapter in ENZ’s journey, with Dr. Sissons poised to steer the organization toward new horizons. The international education sector anticipates exciting developments under her leadership, as she brings her exceptional background and dedication to the forefront of New Zealand’s educational landscape.
