Stephen Cooke Email & Phone Number

Australia

Australia

Collaborating with industry leaders, we provide schools and their boards with key insights into parent and student profiles, identify growth opportunities, and ensure alignment with their community's needs.

Queensland, Australia

Board Member and Treasurer

Board Member and Treasurer

Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

In addition to oversight of my initial portfolios, it expanded in early 2023. My leadership led to the successful revitalisation of the College's Development Office, resulting in a re-established strategic focus and increased productivity.Through decisive action, I completed the deferred capital program at the $7M Winton Annex, delivering much-needed upgrades and improvements to the facility for the College and local western QLD community.

Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Reforging the Foundation: A Leadership TransformationYears of disjointed systems threatened the College's progress. Under my leadership, we undertook a bold restructuring, revitalising core platforms:Finance - Fragmented spreadsheets yielded to an integrated system, fueling informed decision-making.Payroll - Timely payments restored, fostering trust and staff morale.ICT - Service delivery became the focus, empowering staff with cutting-edge tools.Facilities - Preventative care and efficient space utilisation transformed the learning and working environment.This holistic overhaul wasn't just technical; it was cultural. We shifted from fragmented silos to a collaborative ecosystem, building a robust foundation for the College's future.

Tallebudgera, Gold Coast

Led comprehensive transformation at St Andrews, overseeing finance, compliance, risk, ICT, facilities, and commercial operations. Managed $36.7M in major capital projects and reformed crucial systems like student information, HR, and compliance, driving growth to 1,400 students and 180 staff. Contributed to broader system development through expert advice and data-driven initiatives.- Ensured that the capital development program was financially sustainable through the use of debt / interest protection measures.- Regularly delivered 20% EBDITA returns for the organisation to assist in cash funding part of the capital development master plan.- Reformed and resourced the ICT platforms at the College to position itself to deliver flexible delivery of programs - essential during COVID.- Established the risk and compliance framework of the College leading to greater agility within the College’s Risk Appetite framework.- Lead and contributed towards industry and sector wide reforms through my collaboration with Lutheran Education QLD and ASBAQ.

Northern Nsw

As Business Manager, I led comprehensive operational and financial transformation at Lindisfarne, impacting over 1,000 students and 130 staff. By implementing a strategic plan encompassing ICT, facilities, and long-range financial modeling, I:- Rescued the school from financial stress, improving its cash flow from a $2.5M deficit to a $1.3M surplus within 18 months.- Achieved consistent profitability, delivering 15-20% EBIDA returns and growing net equity from $1.8M to $12M in four years.- Secured over $5.9M in capital grants and managed the construction of three new buildings totaling $5.2M, all within a year.- Modernized the school's infrastructure: Spearheaded the implementation of an ICT program and a master facilities plan to align with 21st-century pedagogy.- Collaborated with Grafton Diocese schools, advising on debt restructuring and improving their financial health and corporate systems.

Robina, Gold Coast

Developed, restructured and implemented processes and systems to facilitate effective administration and achieve strategic goals of the university. Delivered guidance to finance, human resources, student and academic support services, general office support, quality assurance, marketing, business development and professional relations teams. Increased and diversified revenues through innovative and specific financial market strategies. Controlled quality assurance program.Selected accomplishments:• Served as key liaison with legal profession and sponsors of law faculty leading to enhanced graduate outcomes and source funding.• Project managed construction of a $7.1M state-of-the-art building, one of country’s most technologically advanced legal teaching facilities.

Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast

Streamlined operations of financial, minor works, maintenance and capital management programs totaling $149M in working capital. Organised shared corporate service provider resulting in increased operational efficiencies in this area.Selected accomplishment:• Acquired $2.5M in recurrent savings by minimising external labour contracting.• Achieved 15 percent annual growth rate during tenure.

Brisbane

Import / Export Trade Relations, Ministerial Support, Supply Chain Development...

Company Directors Program, Governance

Graduate Diploma Of Applied Corporate Governance, Chartered Secretaries Program

Executive Mba, Business, Strategy, Development

Bachelor Of Commerce, Economics (Double Major), Industrial Relations

Activities and Societies: Economics Society of Australia, Double Major in Economics and an Industrial Relations Speciality