Mary Faraone is a respected leader in the vocational education and training sector, both nationally and internationally. In a career spanning more than 40 years, Ms Farone has been recognised for her outstanding leadership and lasting contribution to VET practice and skills development in Australia.  

As an administrator, policy shaper and a passionate advocate for learners of all abilities and backgrounds, Mary is committed to ensuring Australians have access to high quality public education. Mary’s positive influence and impact to the sector has been significant, and her commitment has been above and beyond the everyday.  

Mary started her career in education in 1982 as an English teacher at Vaucluse College and then joined Swinburne University of Technology in 1989. Since then, Mary has had extensive experience across the VET sector—working with industry, registered training organisations and TAFE in various roles, prior to joining Holmesglen Institute in 2003. Mary was instrumental in leading Holmesglen’s teaching and learning, securing a number of significant national and international projects and driving the introduction of higher education programs at the Institute.  

Mary commenced as the Chief Executive of Holmesglen in October 2013. Under her leadership, the institute has secured a reputation for innovation, financial sustainability, and industry collaboration. It also continues to deliver on its mission to provide quality education and training, support community diversity, inclusion and cohesion and engage with businesses to develop their workforces. 

Mary is also the board chair of TAFE Directors Australia, and a board member of the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics and the Australian Minerals and Energy Skills Alliance.  

Mary is committed to the role tertiary education plays in supporting social inclusion and social cohesion in the community, and its underlying values of equity and access. She is a public advocate of VET and its role within the national economy but also the profound impact it has for individuals.