Independent Schools Australia (ISA) has announced the appointment of Graham Catt as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Catt, who is highly respected in the national advocacy community, steps into the new role with a wealth of experience and expertise in Australian Government relations.
Most recently, Catt was the CEO of the Canberra Business Chamber, where he led the ACT business community through many unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. His advocacy led to rapid policy shifts and financial support for local businesses.
Prior to this, Catt was the CEO of the national peak body Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, where he spear-headed an advocacy strategy to position pharmacists as the medicines experts in the national healthcare system. The Australian Government responded with new funding for pilot projects and extensions of community pharmacy programs. Mr Catt also had great success at the Australian Veterinary Association where he elevated advocacy and policy during his ten-year tenure.
“ISA looks forward to benefitting from Mr Catt’s broad experience in advocacy and leadership of peak bodies to build on the strong reputation ISA has in the education sector,” ISA Board Chair, Michael Jones, said.
“ISA has been advocating for Independent schools, collaborating with state and territory AISs, and pursuing research and advice to governments for more than 50 years and has built an excellent reputation for expertise in a complex education sector.”
Jones said Catt’s strengths in strategy, business acumen and government relations “will be great assets to the Independent school sector as ISA continues to evolve.”
Speaking on his appointment, Catt said he was honoured and excited to accept the role, particularly at a time when the Independent sector is positioned to play a key role in addressing the challenges facing school education.
“Education is key to our future development as a nation, and with two daughters who both attend an Independent school here in Canberra, my passion for good policy in this area is personal as well professional.”
The original version of this article appeared as a media release from Independent Schools Australia.