ECA’s Governance
ECA adopted a new Constitution in April 2021. All members now join the national organisation directly and have the right to vote for the National Board.
The National Board now comprises nine Directors. Candidates are reviewed by the Recruitment and Nominations Committee against ECA’s Skills and Perspective Matrix, which identifies the skills and expertise required on the Board from time to time to achieve ECA’s strategic objectives. Approved candidates are elected by members at the AGM. Directors serve three-year terms commencing at the conclusion of the AGM following their election.
Under the governance model, the National Council is the primary forum for consultation and consensus-building on public policy affecting young children. It includes four delegates from each State and Territory Committee, along with representatives from national committees, and meets at least twice each year, once in person and once virtually.
Role
The role of the National Board of Directors is:
- the governance and long-term planning of the organisation
- the implementation of the organisation’s strategic plan
- to ensure that Early Childhood Australia meets its objectives and fulfils its mission to advocate for young children.
Members of the National Board of Directors carry the legal responsibility for governance of the organisation and are required to act in the best interests of the National Organisation.
The National Board of Directors
| National President | Trevor Brown |
| Deputy President | Jackie Wilson |
| Director | Alistair Gibbs |
| Director | Jim Craddock |
| Director | Alison Evans |
| Director | Gretchen Young |
| Director | Lisa Kervin AM |
| Director | Amie Fabry |
| Director | Nicole Pilsworth |
Profiles
Trevor Brown—National President
Trevor Brown began his career over three decades ago as a post-graduate teacher at a community kindergarten. Since then, Trevor has held a range of leadership and management positions in not-for-profit organisations and government agencies in Queensland and Tasmania. His professional responsibilities have included the development and stewardship of statewide projects, programs and strategies, including workforce development and child wellbeing.
Trevor has always held a strong commitment to the interests of the education and care workforce. Currently, he serves as a Board Director of HESTA, a large superannuation fund dedicated to members who work in health, community services, aged care, and education and care.
Jackie Wilson—Deputy President
Jackie Wilson has a strong interest in the design of good policy and programs informed by strong stakeholder engagement. As a Partner at ORIMA Research, Jackie works on research projects in support of public sector policies, programs and initiatives. Prior to this, she worked in the Australian Public Service for 35 years, most recently as Deputy Secretary for the Early Childhood and Child Care Group of the Department of Education, Skills and Employment (DESE). She has held a number of senior Commonwealth positions in program and policy areas covering health, disability, community services, education, employment, budget and finance.
Alistair Gibbs—Director
Alistair Gibbs is a dedicated advocate for early childhood education, and has served on Early Childhood Australia’s (ECA) Victorian State Committee since 2016, assuming roles as an ordinary member and Vice President. Committed to ECA’s vision of every child thriving, he fosters engagement with regional areas, facilitates valuable feedback with the Department of Education, and organises annual conferences on current research and pedagogy. A board member for Social Justice in Early Childhood, Alistair champions inclusion and Anti-Bias principles, mentoring professionals and collaborating on submissions to advance equity. Joining ECA’s National Board, he aims to amplify daily service perspectives, ensuring they shape future strategies for sector-wide influence.
James Jim Craddock—Director
James, as Chief Education Officer at Modern Star Pty Ltd, leads the development of educational resources aligned with Early Childhood Australia’s vision of ‘every young child thriving and learning.’ His experience across sales, marketing, and category management, combined with expertise in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, highlights his commitment to responsible business operations. In previous roles as Chief Commercial Officer, James successfully managed acquisitions and implemented sustainable growth strategies. His extensive board experience, including with Modern Star and CCSA, has honed his governance and financial oversight skills. James is well-equipped to bring his strategic expertise and passion for education to ECA as an independent board member.
Alison Evans—Director
Alison Evans has held a range of leadership positions in Early Childhood Education and Care in both not-for-profit organisations and the private sector. As Chief Education and Learning Officer with G8 Education, Alison leads and delivers strategic national programs to enhance quality teaching and learning programs. With over thirty years of professional sector experience from in-centre positions to large-scale policy and program delivery, Ali brings diverse leadership and governance experience. As a long-term member of the Queensland branch, Ali is deeply committed to the vision and purpose of Early Childhood Australia.
Gretchen Young—Director
A proud Gadigal woman with ties to the Bundjalung Nation, Gretchen Young is an experienced community sector executive dedicated to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. As Executive Director of Programs at SNAICC – National Voice for our Children, she leads initiatives that strengthen Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations delivering early years programs nationwide. With qualifications in nursing, social science and Indigenous Knowledge, Gretchen brings extensive governance, policy and program leadership experience. She is committed to driving meaningful cultural change and ensuring Aboriginal children and families thrive through community-led, culturally strong services.
Dr Amie Fabry—Director
Dr Amie Fabry is a respected early childhood leader, researcher and advocate with a strong commitment to educator capability and child-centred practice. A long-time ECA member and former Co-Chair of ECA WA, she works to strengthen the profession through leadership development, evidence-informed practice and strategic advocacy. Her PhD, awarded the ECA Doctoral Thesis Award, deepened her expertise in early childhood pedagogical leadership, and the significance of this role in driving continuous improvement in quality play-based early childhood programs in schools. Amie brings to the Board her deep sector knowledge, governance acumen and passion for advancing ECA’s vision of a thriving, equitable and future-focused early childhood sector.
Nicole Pilsworth—Director
With over 30 years’ experience across teaching, research and policy, Nicole Pilsworth is dedicated to building strong, high-quality early learning systems. At the Victorian Department of Education, she leads place-based service design that integrates education and wellbeing outcomes for children and families. Nicole’s leadership extends to workforce strategy, professional learning and governance roles across peak bodies. A long-term ECA member, she is committed to strengthening the early childhood workforce and shaping evidence-based policy. Her collaborative approach bridges government, community and education sectors to achieve positive outcomes for children nationwide.
Professor Lisa Kervin AM—Director
Professor Lisa Kervin AM is a researcher and advocate in early childhood education, play, and digital literacies. As a Professor of Early Childhood at Monash University and ARC Future Fellow, her research explores intergenerational play, literacy, digital technologies and children’s museums. Lisa works in close collaboration with Elders, cultural mentors and communities to make connections to Country and understand diverse childhoods. A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Lisa brings governance, research and strategic insight to her role. Throughout her career Lisa has always had a deep commitment to equity, inclusion and social justice, with a desire to support all children and families to flourish through culturally responsive and innovative early learning.
