Mr Garry McLean

Chair

Garry’s career in Catholic education spans a diverse range of leadership roles, including serving as a Primary School Principal in the Archdiocese of Melbourne, and as an Assistant Director at the Catholic Education Office in Melbourne. He has also held positions as an Executive member of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority, and of the Catholic Education Commission Victoria Ltd, among other roles. His experience reflects his committed dedication to fostering excellence in Catholic education and supporting learning communities across Victoria.

Ms Cathy Jenkins

Deputy Chair

Cathy began her professional life as a teacher and has gained experience across diverse environments, including system leadership roles with the Archdiocese of Melbourne and the Diocese of Sandhurst.

Cathy has an active involvement in parish life and serves as Deputy Chair of the Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Board. Her other Board membership includes the Sandhurst Catholic Early Years Education and Care Board (Deputy Chair), Catholic College Sale Board, Sion Education Board and the FCJ Education Board. A member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD), she holds degrees in Arts and Theology along with post-graduate qualifications in Religious Education and Leadership.

The Hon. Martin Dixon

The Hon. Martin Dixon has dedicated his career to advancing the Victorian Catholic Education sector. He spent his early career as a classroom teacher before commencing his first Principalship in 1981. Throughout his career, Martin has held several influential roles within the Catholic education system, including serving as the Deputy Chairperson (Primary) for the Catholic Education Office. In 2010, Martin’s expertise and dedication culminated in in his appointment as Minister for Education, a role in which he served for four years. Throughout his career, Martin Dixon has demonstrated commitment to fostering educational excellence, social justice and community engagement within the Catholic education sector.

Rev. Jeff Kleynjans

Fr Jeff’s early education began at St Michael’s Primary School in Berwick and St Agatha’s Primary School in Cranbourne followed by secondary studies at St Francis Xavier College, Beaconsfield. He was ordained to the Priesthood for the Diocese of Sale in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Theology and a Master of Theological Studies at Catholic Theological College. Fr Jeff is currently serving as Parish Priest at St Patrick’s Parish in Pakenham. Prior to this, he dedicated several years to serving as Parish Priest of St Michael’s Parish, Berwick from 2016 to 2024. Throughout his ministry, he has taken on various leadership roles including Sale Diocese Vocations Director, Youth Ministry Chaplain, and Member of the Priest Welfare Foundation. He is currently a Member of the College of Consultors, Member of the Bishop’s Council of Priests, Convenor of the Sale Diocese Clergy Life and Ministry Team, Regional representative for Clergy Life and Ministry Victoria & Tasmania, a founding member of Shining a Light: the Sale Diocese Domestic Violence Committee, and part of the Clergy Remuneration Fund.

Very Rev. Dean Francis Otobo

Ordained as a Priest in 2001 in Otukpo Nigeria, Fr Francis has dedicated his ministry to serving the Diocese of Sale. His pastoral journey includes serving as an Assistant Priest in the Morwell and Churchill Parishes and holding roles such as Chair of the Bishop’s Council of Priests in the Diocese and member of the Priests’ Remuneration Fund. Currently, he serves as the Dean of St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale. In addition to his pastoral duties, Fr Francis is the Chaplain to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the Diocese of Sale and shares his theological expertise through lectures at the Yarra Theological Union. He is also a member of the University of Divinity in Melbourne, continuing his commitment to theological and spiritual leadership.

Emeritus Professor Gabrielle McMullen AM

After completing postdoctoral research in Germany, Gabrielle was appointed to the Faculty of Medicine at Monash University, while also serving as Dean of its Catholic residence, Mannix College (1981-1995). She then joined Australian Catholic University as Rector of its Ballarat campus (1995-2000) and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) (2000-2011). She has served on a wide range of education, health, theology, and community service boards. Since 2020 she has been the Deputy Chancellor of the University of Divinity.

Mr John Swan

John brings over 40 years of extensive experience in business management, including negotiating government and private sector supply contracts. His expertise encompasses developing and implementing budgets for production and capital investment projects, as well as expanding international markets. He has first-hand experience with all aspects of import and export documentation, quarantine and biosecurity requirements and Letters of Credit Trading Terms.

Dr Dominic Thomas

Dominic works as a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Business and Economics at Monash University. Additionally, he holds the position of Course Director for the Master of Applied Marketing program and serves as the Marketing Specialisation Leader for the Master of Business Program. His research focuses on understanding human behaviour and addressing important societal challenges. Dominic’s current research is in the area of nutrition and wellbeing, and poverty and inequality. His work has been published in journals, including the Journal of Retailing, European Journal of Marketing, Journal of Economic Psychology, Psychology and Marketing, and Journal of Consumer Affairs.