Dr Liam Smith is the National Executive Director/CEO of one of Australia's largest National education organisation, Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA). EREA provides educational opportunities to over 41,000 young people across every one of Australia's States and Territories through our 55 schools and centres. Providing Early Education and Care, Primary Education, Special Schooling, Secondary Schooling and Flexible learning options.As a highly effective education leader who has previously served the Queensland state school system as a teacher, deputy principal, principal and system leader for nearly 30 years. Having completed a doctorate in education (Ed.D, QUT) focused on anti-discrimination measures, Liam brings to his role a particular motivation to ensure that schools are well-positioned to deliver quality learning opportunities for all students.In his roles as Regional Director of the Department of Education’s North Coast Region and Metropolitan Region (the two largest education regions in Qld), Liam was responsible for the delivery of education services to more than 176,000 students across 220 state schools and education centres. In his previous role as Assistant Director-General, School Improvement Unit, Liam led the exciting establishment of the unit and the implementation of a state-wide school review program. During his four years at the helm, the School Improvement Unit reviewed the teaching and learning practices of more than 1300 state schools and education centres across Queensland, supporting each school to improve learning outcomes for students.Prior to joining the School Improvement Unit, Liam worked successfully in a number of school leadership roles, including eight years as principal of Rochedale State School, a large primary school in Brisbane. Under Liam’s leadership, the school achieved International Baccalaureate accreditation – the first (and still only) state primary school in Queensland to earn this distinction!Liam is driven by strong moral and ethical standards, and a commitment to the values of the Queensland public service. He leads from the front, empowering people, developing and using positive partnerships with key stakeholders to ensure school leaders and students get the system support they need to improve student outcomes