A new chapter has started at Bedford College as Steve Dixon assumes the role of CEO, taking the 80-year old college leaps and bounds into a new era of leadership.
The Board of Bedford College has announced the appointment of Rev Steve Dixon to the role of CEO for Bedford College.
Steve has an extensive educational background with a Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology, Master of Divinity, Master of Arts - Ministry, Graduate Certificate in Business Administration and is currently completing an MBA at Wollongong University.
As Chairperson of the Asia Pacific Baptist Federation Youth Committee and Lecturer at Morling College, Steve has a wealth of experience supporting and teaching young adults in a formal education setting, proving valuable to Bedford College with its diverse student base.
An inspiring leader with a history of overseeing significant growth in both established and new projects, Steve is passionate about empowering individuals, teams and communities towards sustainable impact. Skilled in team leadership, strategic thinking, innovation, management, training, community, public speaking and change management in the not-for-profit sector, Steve is a highly motivated leader.
“It is important to hit the ground running to ensure the excellent momentum the college has experienced will continue,” Steve Dixon says. “The team has done an excellent job in positioning Bedford College as a world-class tertiary vocational education provider and I am excited to join.”
With a mission ‘To be an innovative provider of quality training and to strive for excellence in all they do; To provide students with a caring, Christian environment which enhances their ability to succeed; and to assist individuals of all backgrounds and cultures to work and learn in harmony’, Steve will be a dynamic asset to the organisation as they celebrate a landmark 80-years in operation.
Board of Directors
Bedford College is governed by a Board of Directors, who consist of the following:
Cathy Monro (Chair)
Cathy has qualifications in political science having graduated with a Bachelor of International and Global Studies (Hons) from University of Sydney. She is currently completing her doctoral studies in aged care policy research at the University of Sydney while working as an academic. With previous experience ranging from publishing, international financial and investment services, business advisory, and business administration in early childhood education, Cathy has been serving on the boards of Baptist organisations since 2000. She is particularly drawn to God-centred undertakings that have far-reaching societal impact.
Cathy joined Bedford College board in October 2016, and served as Chair since December 2019. Cathy is a member of Carlton-Kogarah Baptist Church.
Matt Fletcher
Matt has over 16 years of experience in financial management of for-profit and not-for-profit organisations. He served in the Finance team of Compassion Australia as the Financial Controller and was a member of the management leadership team. His time at Compassion Australia also saw him leading the Compassion International’s global finance function team for the 12-country global partner alliance. Matt is currently a Senior Consultant with Resolve Consulting, assisting Christian schools, not-for-profits and churches in governance, leadership and finance matters.
Matt enjoys finding efficiencies and innovation in all aspects of the organisations that he works with, and this has also led him to volunteer with the Australian Reporting Awards to help other not for profit organisations improve their annual reports. He joined Bedford College board in October 2021 and is currently the Chair of the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee. Matt is a member of Erina Community Baptist Church.
Phillip Nash
Phillip is the Principal of Green Point Christian College, and Executive Principal of Melos Foundation. He has extensive training and experience as an educator, holding a Bachelor of Arts in History and English, a Diploma of Teaching and a Trained Teachers Certificate from Canterbury University in New Zealand. He completed a Master of Education (Leadership) through Morling College, Sydney in 2013 and in April 2020 was accepted into a PhD program through Avondale University College. Phillip previously served in senior school leadership in New Zealand and Australia as well as, more recently, in Indonesia. He has been involved in Christian schools for 30 years across New Zealand and Australia.
Phillip joined Bedford College board in January 2021, and is currently the Chair of the Governance and Nominations Committee. Phillip is a member of Green Point Baptist Church.
Allen Sibley
Allen has qualifications in teaching and a MBA from Macquarie Graduate School of Management. Also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Allen has expertise in areas of governance, management and leadership development. Prior to working for BaptistCare NSW & ACT in a range of General Management roles and served as Company Secretary of Baptist Care Australia, Allen had worked for multinational companies in the Information Technology and Telecommunications industries for over 20 years. Allen is currently the Chief Operations Officer at PeaceWise Ltd.
Allen is a member of Parramatta Baptist Church, and serves on a number of boards including as Board Chair at Integricare. Allen joined Bedford College board in December 2019, and served as Chair of the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee for three years.
David Slinn
David is a Chartered Accountant, member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has a Master of Laws degree from Kings College, London University. He has worked in major accounting practices in both Australia and UK including working as an Investment Banker internationally as part of Global Structured Finance Team. He was previously the CEO of a multidisciplinary architectural and design practice. David is currently the CEO of Baptist Financial Services Australia Ltd.
David is passionate about integrating ministry and community and a holistic approach to mission. He is a member of Gordon Baptist Church. He serves on a number of boards and joined Bedford College board in February 2020.
Peter Smith
Peter has an extensive commercial background having spent 20 years in the financial sector, then working in consulting and technology across both Australia and later Asia-Pacific, including a global information services provider based out of Amsterdam. He then moved to the not-for-profit sector joining Mission Australia in 2016 as their Chief Information Officer. Peter has an MBA and a strong strategic technology background.
Peter is a member and leader at Wentworthville Baptist Church and is passionate about using his experience to support organisations that make a difference. Peter joined the Bedford College Board in August 2010.