ACER announces Lisa Rodgers as its new CEO

The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) is delighted to announce the appointment of Lisa Rodgers as its new CEO.

ACER has recently been prominent in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector conversation for leading a new project to develop a national tool to understand children’s learning and development, and to support preschool teachers’ and educators’ professional learning and practice. 

The project – to develop a Preschool Outcomes Measure – is a joint initiative of the Commonwealth and state and territory governments, and a key reform of the Preschool Reform Agreement. The design of the measure will ensure teacher and educator workload is minimised by streamlining existing processes, enhancing the teaching experience and supporting teachers to meet existing requirements.

Ms Rodgers is Director General of the Department of Education in Western Australia and the CEO of that state’s School Curriculum and Standards Authority. She was previously the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership.

She replaces Professor Geoff Masters AO, who is stepping down in August after 26 years as ACER’s CEO and 36 years as a member of the organisation’s senior executive.

Ms Rodgers was appointed following a search of eminently qualified and experienced government, education and research leaders in Australia and overseas,ACER Board Chair Emeritus Professor Bill Louden AM said.

“I am personally very excited for Lisa to join ACER and believe she will be a strong fit with deep strategic and commercial skills, government relations and technology leadership experience,” Professor Louden said.

“She is exactly the right person to take ACER into the next step of its evolution, continuing its strategy to be a global leader in preparing people for their future and ensuring everyone learns successfully.”

Ms Rodgers will join ACER formally on 23 September 2024.

In announcing the appointment of Ms Rodgers Professor Louden congratulated Professor Masters on his long and successful tenure, saying he had overseen ACER’s growth from a $25 million business when he was appointed CEO, to a global organisation with $100m-plus in revenue.

“I want to thank Geoff for his distinguished leadership and service to ACER and education research more broadly. He has been an excellent steward of the organisation and an invaluable colleague and friend,” he said.

Professor Masters said it has been a great honour to work with “so many very clever and dedicated colleagues whose expertise over decades has built ACER into the world-leading research institute it is today.” 

“ACER’s work has positively impacted the lives and opportunities of children and other learners across the globe, and this impact continues to grow,” he added.

“I know it will continue to build on that reputation in the coming years.” 

Learn more about the work of ACER here.