Dr Margot McNeill appointed New CIT Chief Executive Officer

Kate Lundy, Chair of the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) Board, today announced the appointment of Dr Margot McNeill as the Institute’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective 18 June 2025.

“Margot brings a wealth of experience and a forward-thinking vision that will be instrumental in leading CIT into an exciting new future, marked by an ambitious program of work and groundbreaking new projects,” Ms Lundy said.

Margot joins CIT from her most recent role as Chief Product and Quality Officer at TAFE NSW, where she was responsible for leading curriculum development and quality assurance. Her impressive qualifications include a PhD on the topic of technology in tertiary assessment and two Masters degrees, and her extensive experience in the vocational education sector includes teaching and management roles at TAFE Institutes and dual sector providers over many years. Throughout her distinguished career, Margot has been a passionate advocate for accessible, high-quality vocational education and training, consistently driving innovation, and student success.

“Selected after a long and extensive nation-wide search for a new CEO, Margot’s proven track record in education, skills and training, strategic planning, organisational growth, and fostering strong stakeholder relationships – gives the CIT Board the confidence that it positions her perfectly to guide CIT through its next phase of development.

“Under her leadership, CIT is poised to embark on a significant program of work, including the opening of the new CIT Woden Campus, the launch of new industry-aligned courses, enhanced digital learning initiatives, and collaborative projects designed to meet the evolving needs of the ACT economy and beyond – as outlined in the Institute’s new 10-Year Strategy Plan.” Ms Lundy said.

Margot also expressed her enthusiasm for her new role. "I am incredibly excited to be joining CIT at such a pivotal time," Margot said. "Even before officially starting, I have been actively engaging in briefings and gaining a deeper understanding of the incredible work being done here. I am particularly looking forward to meeting the dedicated staff and the wonderful students at CIT, learning from their expertise, and sharing ideas and feedback as we collectively shape the future of vocational education in Canberra.

I am proud to bring insights from sector-wide initiatives such as the Federal Government’s Qualification Reform Design Group to this role - reforms that will make VET qualifications more relevant, responsive, and valuable for students and employers.

Together, we will build upon CIT's strong foundations and work already underway that will benefit students, industry, and the wider community."

Minister for Skills, Training and Industrial Relations, Michael Pettersson MLA, extended his congratulations on the appointment.

"I am pleased to congratulate Margot on her appointment as the new CEO of CIT. Margot’s experience and leadership will be invaluable as CIT continues to play a vital role in skilling our workforce and supporting our community now and into the future. I look forward to working closely with Margot to deliver on our shared vision for a thriving vocational education sector in the ACT." Minister Pettersson said.

Ms Lundy said that CIT is confident that Margot’s leadership will usher in a period of significant growth and innovation for the Institute, further solidifying its position as a leading provider of innovative vocational education and training in the region.