Leadership
ACA QLD welcomes new CEO as Brent Stokes commences at Scholars Consulting
Freya Lucas
Mar 02, 2021
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The Queensland branch of the Australian Childcare Alliance (ACA) has welcomed a new CEO, Kate Tully, as former CEO Brent Stokes undertakes a new position as General Manager at Scholars Consulting.
Mr Stokes made the difficult decision to depart ACA QLD late last year to pursue an opportunity with Scholars Consulting, an arm of The Scholars Group, including the Little Scholars School of Early Learning services which operate primarily in Queensland and Northern New South Wales.The Board thanked Mr Stokes for his four years of service, saying that his dedication and hard work “do not go unnoticed,” and expressing thanks that he will retain a position on the ACA QLD management committee in a voluntary capacity.
When asked about his motivation for switching to consultancy, Mr Stokes shared a long held admiration for the work undertaken by The Scholars Group, as well as a desire to add value to a sector which he holds in high regard.
“I’ve always held The Scholars Group in high regard,” he said, “but having seen behind the curtain, it’s a space where I feel so motivated and passionate about partnering with to add greater value.”
Scholars Consulting, established six years ago, has grown organically to have thirteen campuses in Queensland, and a further two in northern New South Wales, using a blend of what Mr Stokes termed “corporate professionalism, family friendly nature”.
Achieving holistic outcomes for the services Scholars Consulting partners with, is a priority for him within the GM role, as is working with existing clients and new customers to focus their passion for the sector and achieve a true partnership to see services thrive.
“15 years ago, when I came into the sector, I had a lot to learn,” Mr Stokes shared. “As an approved provider and service owner, I gained qualifications in the sector, and feel I have a good understanding of ECEC, holistically. I believe very strongly that as a consultancy group, we can support providers to run high quality services, while removing the stress for owners.”
Kate Tully, ACA Queensland CEO
Ms Tully, the successful applicant from over 200 submissions of interest, joins ACA QLD with extensive experience as a seasoned leader with strengths in strategic thinking and organisational growth, particularly in the non-profit/social sector.
As well as having a strong record in leading member based organisations, Ms Tully has previously owned and operated an early learning centre in regional Queensland, been the Principal Advocacy Officer at the Office of the Public Guardian, Head of College at Duchesne College (UQ), Chief Executive Officer at YWCA Queensland, Chair of the Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) and Member of the Queensland Government’s Treaty Working Group.
To learn more about the work of ACA QLD, please see here. More information about The Scholars Group is available on the group’s website, here.
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