Penny Johnston

Penny Johnston is the current Executive Director of Academic Development at TAFE SA. Penny has also held the position of Regional Director for South Australia with Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability (ACTS) and Director of Defence Industries with TAFE SA.

Penny has a long history of working in vocational education, with a focus on developing skills for shipbuilding. Penny has been instrumental in developing TAFE SA's response to the skills needs of the shipbuilding industry, and has worked closely with ASC since its inception.

Penny is a strong advocate for vocational education, and is passionate about providing work-ready graduates to industries in South Australia. Penny is committed to ensuring that TAFE SA remains at the forefront of delivering quality vocational education and training.

Penny Johnston graduated from Lambton High School before completing a Graduate Diploma of Commerce at UNSW. Penny then went on to complete a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (Hons) at The Australian National University.

Their manager is David Coltman, Chief Executive, TAFE SA. They are on a team with Michaela Welby - Executive Director, Finance & Performance, Meredith Parry - Executive Director, Student & Community Engagement, and Damian Turner - Executive Director, People and Culture.