The Association of Independent Schools of WA (AISWA) has announced the appointment of Mr Chris Massey, currently Director of Student Life at The University of Western Australia, as its next Executive Director. Chris will replace Ms Valerie Gould who has held the position since 2008 having joined AISWA in 1997. Mr Massey will commence in his new role on 5 September.
The Chair of AISWA Board, Dr Alec O’Connell said ‘in searching for our next leader, the board was looking for a person who could build upon the current position of strength which AISWA enjoys in the WA education sector. Chris brings to the role significant personal skills, strong financial acumen, and proven high level educational and commercial leadership experience. Coupled with an ability to drive strategic growth, lead, and implement change, and an ability to represent AISWA at a state, national and where required international level, Chris is well placed to oversee AISWA’s next period of growth and development.
In 2021 AISWA grew by 4.2% and continues to experience growth in 2022. WA Independent schools employ almost 19 per cent of all teachers in WA schools. Representing 164 schools (153 member schools and 11 affiliates), from across WA, with enrolments of 71,893 students and employing approximately 12,265 staff, the WA Independent School Sector includes an amazingly diverse and growing group of non-government schools from diverse religious and philosophical affiliations as well as a broad range of educational philosophies.