C&K Chief Executive Officer, Dr Sandra Cheeseman, has announced she will step down from the role later this year, after seven years at C&K, including five years as CEO.

Dr Sandra Cheeseman will remain in the role over the coming months while the Board recruits for a new CEO, ensuring continuity and stability across the organisation.

In announcing her decision to staff this week, Dr Sandra Cheeseman described leading C&K as one of the “greatest privileges” of her career.

“With our almost 120-year history, I have been honoured to be a custodian of this organisation, and I am proud of what we have all achieved together during this time for children, families and communities across Queensland,” Dr Cheeseman said.

A highly respected leader in early childhood education, Dr Cheeseman has made significant contributions to the sector through her work in policy, curriculum, governance and advocacy.

Chair of the C&K Board, Associate Professor Megan Gibson, thanked Dr Cheeseman for leading with integrity and care.

“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Sandra for her outstanding contribution and acknowledge the significant impact she has had at C&K and the entire early childhood education sector," Associate Professor, Megan Gibson, said.

"Sandra has shaped our organisation in meaningful and lasting ways, and her positive impact will be felt well into the future.”

Taking up her role during the COVID pandemic, amid significant workforce shortages, Dr Cheeseman reflected on her time at C&K as one of considerable opportunity, reform and challenge. Key sector reforms and initiatives - including Free Kindy, the Worker Retention Payment Grant, Kindy Uplift and the Qualifications Pathways Programs - provided a context for innovation and realignment of priorities.

Dr Cheeseman has embraced opportunities to advocate for C&K and the sector as a member of the Ministerial Advisory Group for the Preschool Outcomes Measure, the Australian Government’s Early Childhood Reference Group and Service Delivery Price Advisory Group.

Dr Cheeseman said her focus over the coming months would be ensuring a smooth leadership transition and maintaining momentum across the organisation’s strategic priorities.

“One of the greatest privileges of my time at C&K has been the opportunity to work alongside skilled and talented teachers and educators, partner organisations and

leaders across the ECEC sector, who are deeply committed to improving outcomes for children,” Dr Cheeseman said.

“The progress we make as a sector is strongest when it is built on collaboration, generosity and a shared commitment to children and families.”