C&K's Chief Executive Officer
Dr Sandra Cheeseman
Dr Sandra Cheeseman is a former early childhood teacher, academic and senior executive. Sandra was appointed to the role of CEO in 2021 following the retirement of Jane Bourne. Prior to this, Sandra held the position of Chief Operating Officer with C&K for 2 ½ years, bringing extensive experience in the early childhood sector across corporate governance, leadership, service delivery and research.
Sandra has published in the areas of organisational leadership, early years curriculum and infant/toddler rights. She was a member of the core writing team who developed Australia's first Early Years Learning Framework and has worked on key government projects to translate policy to practice.
Sandra has served on several governance boards, including as non-executive director for the Australian Children’s Educational and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). She is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for the Raising Children Network and the Expert Advisory Group for the development of a preschool outcomes measure.
Sandra leads an Executive Management Group consisting of a Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief People Officer.
Qualifications
PhD, PG Cert, Research Methods, BEd, Early Childhood.
Dr Suzy Tamone
Chief Operating Officer
Joined C&K January 2024
Qualifications
PhD, MEd (School Guidance & Counselling), BEd, BTeach (Early Childhood)
Experience
Dr Suzy Tamone is an experienced early childhood teacher, academic and senior executive. Suzy was appointed to the role of COO in May 2024. Suzy’s previous appointments include senior and executive roles in not-for-profit early childhood organisations, leading portfolios across teacher professional learning and organisational learning and development. Suzy also has over 10 years’ experience as an academic with a focus on professional experience in initial teacher education, Mentoring Beginning Teachers program (for the Department of Education and Training), phenomenographic research and children’s behaviour. Her PhD research was acknowledged with an Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Award.
Chantelle Hoare
Chief Financial Officer
Joined C&K September 2024
Qualifications
Bachelor of Business Accounting (with Distinction), CPA, Prince 2 Practitioner, PROSCI
Experience
Chantelle brings with her over 15 years of financial leadership experience, most recently as CFO at LifeFlight Australia and Financial Strategy and Performance Manager at KPMG. Chantelle has spent nearly a decade working within Queensland state government and has a background in financial strategy, transformation, change management, and cross-functional leadership across Finance, IT, Marketing, Travel, Asset management, Human Resources and contract management.
Shaun Astill
Chief People Officer
Joined C&K November 2024
Qualifications
B.Bus (HRM), DipBus, GAICD, CPHR
Experience
Shaun is an accomplished Human Resources executive with close to 25 years’ experience spanning private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. Over the past decade, Shaun has dedicated himself to the community services sector, working in both corporate and operational settings. He has a passion for serving people and communities and brings expertise in strategic workforce management, people performance, organisational culture, leadership, and transformation. Shaun has previously served in HR executive, senior management, and advisory roles in mid-large not-for profit organisations, state government departments, and private companies.