Georgina Harrisson has been named the new secretary of the New South Wales Department of Education.
Harrisson has been acting in the role since April. Prior to that she was group deputy secretary, school improvement and education reform.
The senior public servant has more than 20 years’ experience in government, and has previously worked at the NSW Department of Family and Community Services, the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, the federal Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the United Kingdom Department of Education.
Education minister Sarah Mitchell said she looked forward to working with Harrisson as the state strives to build one of the world’s best education systems.
“Ms Harrisson has a breadth of experience in the public sector and in education. She is a proven leader who takes on a mantle of responsibility during an exciting time in NSW public education,” she said.
“This government is leading broad reforms in education. We are building evidence based best practice into everything we do, spearheaded by the new NSW Curriculum and the School Success Model.”
Harrisson replaces Mark Scott, who will commence his new role as vice-chancellor and principal of the University of Sydney in July.
Scott has congratulated Harrisson, describing her as an ‘outstanding, transformational leader’.
“I know she will do a great job leading the work of the department in supporting leaders, teachers and students of all ages,” he wrote on Twitter.
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