Chair
Ann Dunphy MA (Hons)
As a lecturer in Education at the University of Auckland's Epsom campus since 1999, following 13 years as principal of Auckland's Penrose High School, Ann maintains her commitment to quality educational opportunities for lower-decile students that has been her life's work. She began teaching in the Eastern Bay of Plenty then held senior positions at each of the secondary schools in Otara.
During her years of principalship, Ann became convinced of the importance of community partnerships especially in mentoring, to enhance the life-chances of young people, so in 2000 co-founded the Auckland Youth Mentoring Association, which has now been developed into The Youth Mentoring Network.
Treasurer
Claire Stewart LLB (Hons), BCom
Claire practised corporate and commercial law in New Zealand and Australia before joining Fletcher Building for five years where she became Business Planning Manager of one of its business units. She was the first General Manager of the First Foundation from April 2001 - April 2003. Claire is currently Special Projects Manager at Auckland Transport.
Bill Gavin (Q.S.O.) BA (Hons), BA, Dip Tchg
Bill was Principal of Otahuhu College from 1985 to 2001. He then went on to coordinate the AIMHI (Achievement in Multi-Cultural High Schools) schooling improvement initiative from 2002 to 2006. Since 2006 he has been involved in a variety of educational initiatives that have focused on school governance and management. He was Chair of the City of Manukau Education Trust (COMET) from 2008 to 2011 and he has also been a Project K trustee since 2001.
Efeso Collins MA (Hons)
Efeso is of Samoan and Tokelauan descent (Satupaitea, Malie, Fakaofo) and has worked with young people for almost 15 years. He is a former student of Tangaroa College in Otara and in 1998 was the first Pacific Island President of the Auckland University Students' Association. He worked for the University of Auckland for six years, is a Universitas21 fellow and founded the Pacific Islands Dream Fonotaga in 2002. Efeso is passionate about Pasifika education and is a Youth Mentoring Consultant. He is also enrolled as a doctoral student at Te wananga o Awanuiarangi. Efeso co-own's Catalyst Solutions Ltd .
Frank Solomon MA(Hons), Dip Ed, Dip.Tchg.
Tribal Affiliations: Ngatiporou, Ngati Kahu ki Whangaro
Frank has had an extensive and diverse service history in education. He has been the Principal of Waiheke High School and Rotorua Lakes High School and has held senior management positions at both Auckland University of Technology and Manukau Institute of Technology.
He has also served on the Board of 'Te Mangai Paho' (Maori Broadcasting Funding Agency) for eight years, and has managed major Shopping Centres throughout Auckland. In 2010 Frank was appointed to the Counties Manukau District Health Board.
In 1996 he and his wife Judy, established 'Solomon Group Education and Training Academy' focusing on Second Chance education and Literacy and Numeracy training, with campuses in Manurewa and Panmure. Staff include their two daughters, Kiri and Jenny and fifty dedicated colleagues.
Solomon Group is the Lead Provider for the Counties Manukau Youth Transition Service, has been the recipient of major Regional and Maori Business awards, and is a member of "Koiora". the Waikato Tainui Whanau Ora Collective.
Website: http://www.solomongroup.co.nz/
Chris Sullivan (BEd)
Chris is an experienced educator who has worked extensively in New Zealand, Asia, the UK and the Gulf States. He is currently a Principal Consultant at Cognition Education, New Zealand's largest independent educational consultancy. In this role he has responsibility for planning, implementing and reviewing diverse schooling improvement and learning projects. Prior to this Chris has worked in a variety education related roles including time as an international contract manager, curriculum advisor, school management advisor, associate principal and teacher, author, and facilitator. He has presented widely at national and international conferences including the International Congress on School Improvement and Effectiveness. Chris has had a number of books published including titles in curriculum planning, behaviour management, and assessment. His interests are in schooling improvement, knowledge management, and innovation in education.
