The Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria welcomes interim Executive Director Mr Shane Lucas

The Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria (STAV) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Shane Lucas as its interim Executive Director, following the resignation of former Executive Director, Ms Joanne Phillips.

It is with mixed emotions that we announce the resignation of Joanne, who has decided to pursue new opportunities; and whilst we will miss her leadership and vision, we are very excited to see where her career will take her next. Throughout her tenure with STAV, Joanne has made invaluable contributions that have shaped the direction and success of our organisation. Her commitment to STAV has been unwavering, and her dedication to delivering value through meaningful member experiences has been instrumental in strengthening our association's foundation. Joanne’s efforts in both advancing educational excellence and supporting science educators across Victoria have set a benchmark for future leadership. We extend our gratitude to Joanne for her hard work and wish her all the very best in her future endeavours.

Whilst preparing for this transition, we have remained committed to continuing the important work championed by all of STAV’s leaders in this exciting era of transformation, innovation and growth. To that end, I am very excited to welcome highly experienced executive, Mr Shane Lucas into the interim Executive Director’s role.

Shane is an engaged, authentic and impactful leader, and comes to STAV with extensive experience in the for-purpose and government sectors. Shane was CEO of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation (2019-2024) and of Early Learning Association Australia (2013–2017). He has also worked in the private sector as Global Head of Sustainable Development with ANZ Bank (2010-2012); and he was a Member of the Commonwealth Administrative Appeals Tribunal, Migration Division (2017-2019). Shane has served as a member of the Advisory Board of Deakin University’s Master of Public Policy Program, the Board of Early Learning Association Australia, and has been a director of the Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture (VFST) since 2020. He is currently Chair of the VFST Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee. Shane has a BA (Hons) from Monash University, a Migration Law (Dip) and is a graduate of the Victorian Leadership Academy (2009) and a Williamson Fellow of Leadership Victoria (2007).

Shane brings with him a breadth of knowledge, skills and experience in leadership and management. His networks across government and the for-purpose sector at both State and Federal levels are extensive, and he has worked in senior roles in the Victorian government and in Ministerial offices. Shane has mature advocacy and influencing skills. Former employers, colleagues, staff and stakeholders are glowing in their description of his active, empathetic and inspiring leadership. Shane creates strong, people-focused cultures in which colleagues are empowered to challenge assumptions and explore innovative approaches to complex issues, all the while practising integrity and evidence-based advocacy.

For all the above reasons, we are thrilled to welcome Shane Lucas to the STAV team and we all look forward to working together to further enhance science education in Victoria. His deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing membership associations, together with his passion for supporting science teachers, will undoubtedly drive STAV's continued success.

STAV has engaged Executive Search Firm, Fish Nankivell, to recruit for the ongoing position of Executive Director which will commence at the completion of Shane’s tenure in late January 2025. The recruitment process is now open, the details of which can be found at: SEEK and LinkedIn.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Alexandra Abela
President
president@stav.vic.edu.au

Taken from the Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Media Release on September 12, 2024.

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