Governance
St Vincent's College is under the stewardship of Mary Aikenhead Ministries. In 1993 St Vincent's College was incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee and the Sisters of Charity entrusted the governance of the College to a Board appointed by the Sisters.
In 2009 Mary Aikenhead Ministries (MAM) was established by the Holy See at the request of the Congregation of the Religious Sisters of Charity of Australia and the education ministry was transferred to MAM in July 2009. For more information on Mary Aikenhead Ministries and Mary Aikenhead Education Australia please visit their website.
The Directors of the St Vincent's College Board are collaborators in the MAM educational mission. They contribute their expertise, experience and creativity to sustain and continually renew the life of the College. We are inspired by those who have gone before us and we accept that the future of St Vincent’s College will be shaped by our choices and responses to current opportunities and challenges.
Current College Board Members
Board Chair
John Finneran
John Finneran is an experienced senior executive in the education and not-for-profit sectors, dedicated to the mission and vision of quality Catholic education. He is the Director of School Improvement for Marist Schools Australia (MSA) Ltd, following his tenure as Principal of Newman College in WA and Marist Catholic College Penshurst in NSW. Beyond education, John has held leadership roles at Caritas Australia and the Edmund Rice Centre for Justice and Community Education, as well as as a Trustee for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in NSW. His extensive board experience includes founding Directorship at St. Vincent de Paul Aged Care, Chair of St. Vincent de Paul Night Patrol, membership on the Marist Mission Council and his current role as Chair of the John Berne School Foundation. Passionate about providing young people with meaningful pathways and opportunities, John brings strategic leadership, governance expertise and a deep commitment to Catholic education and social justice.
Director
Sean Rahilly
Sean Rahilly brings 30 years of experience in accounting and investment banking, having held senior leadership roles across major financial institutions. He previously served as Head of Compliance for the Investment Banking division of Société Générale, overseeing operations across Australia and Asia. He has also worked with Hambros Australia, HSBC and Price Waterhouse. His board experience includes directorships with Charingfield Aged Care and the Eastern Suburbs District Rugby Union Club. Sean is a chartered accountant with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of NSW and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Since joining the Board in 2021, he has played a key role in financial oversight and governance and currently serves as Chair of the Finance Committee.
Director
Justine Hughes
Justine Hughes joined the College Board in March 2022, bringing extensive corporate experience in property development and a strong commitment to education and the not-for-profit sectors. She holds a Bachelor of Economics and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Sydney. She has a proven track record in managing transformational change, leading teams and making strategic decisions. Justine has contributed to various educational and charitable initiatives, serving on the Advisory Committee of St Margaret Mary Primary School, as a P&F Executive member at St Vincent’s College, a volunteer with the Gawura Program at St Andrew’s Cathedral School and as Secretary of Project Kindness. Her personal and professional expertise and being a current parent of the College enriches the College Board, strengthening its engagement, leadership and governance.
Director
Garry M Hogden B.Comm (Accounting & Finance) - C.A- C.T.A
Garry brings over 25 years of professional experience in accounting, specialising in the SME and personal sectors. Since joining Wynn & Bennett in 1997, he has provided expert advisory, accounting, and taxation services to SMEs, SMSFs, professionals, and investors. A Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand member, he is also a Chartered Tax Adviser, a registered SMSF Auditor, and a registered Law Practice Trust Account Examiner for NSW. His expertise spans business structuring, investment planning, mergers and acquisitions, due diligence, income tax consolidation and estate planning. With a strong financial strategy and governance background, Garry offers the College valuable insights into business growth and sustainability.
Director
Dr Craig Wattam
With nearly 25 years in Catholic education as a senior leader, Craig brings extensive expertise to the Board of St Vincent’s College Potts Point. He is passionate about empowering young women and committed to Ignatian spirituality and service to the poor, aligning closely with the College’s mission. As the former CEO of Edmund Rice Education Australia, Craig managed the governance of 55 schools nationwide, providing him with substantial experience in governance and strategic leadership. He has served on various boards and is a member of the AICD. With a robust background in school leadership and large-scale infrastructure projects, Craig is well-equipped to support the College’s mission with strategic focus. His dedication to Catholic education and fostering young women’s leadership make him a valuable Board member.
Director
Rose Reid
Rose is an experienced leader in Catholic education with a strong commitment to mission and governance. She has supported school boards and leadership teams, driving continuous improvement across Catholic and civil structures. Her career includes leadership roles in education and consultancy, with expertise in curriculum and compliance. Currently, she is the Religious Education Coordinator at an independent Catholic girls’ school in Sydney, where she offers specialist skills in Catholic formation and risk management. Her previous experience at NESA and AISNSW provides her with a solid understanding of governance and school operations. Rose holds a Master of Religious Education and has demonstrated her faith through her professional life and Eucharistic ministry. Her diverse background, including healthcare and reform projects, equips her to navigate complex environments and lead teams effectively. Rose is passionate about ensuring Catholic education remains mission-driven and seeks to contribute her skills to the board.
Director
Shanthi Silva
Shanthi Silva is a dedicated professional with over 15 years in Employee Relations and Employment Law, currently the Head of Employee & Labour Relations for Australia & New Zealand at Johnson & Johnson. With leadership experience in healthcare, logistics, property, and education, she brings a strong foundation in compliance and governance. A practising Catholic and mother of three, Shanthi is committed to faith-based service, actively contributing to her local parish as a Reader of the Word and preparing to serve as an SRE Catechist. She is passionate about Catholic education, offering practical experience in Catholic formation and leadership. With qualifications in Law and Human Resource Management, she provides strategic insights to the Board of St Vincent’s College, ensuring accountability and excellence in education. Her commitment to servant leadership and the College’s values make her a valuable Board member.
