Paul Ferris QSMCEO
Paul works with Proprietors of schools and diocesan bodies to ensure their interests are represented to the government and education sector agencies. Prior to joining NZCEO in 2016 Paul served as a Principal in state and state-integrated schools, most recently at Kavanagh College in Dunedin. Paul is a life member of SPANZ and has a number of other awards, including a QSM in 2012 and a Laureate Award from NZCEO.
04 496 1779
027 489 8822
Heather Richardson, Bmath, CPA, CAChief Financial Officer
Heather joined NZCEO in 2016. She manages the strategic financial planning and financial administration for the Office and NZCEO Finance Ltd, including the National Attendance Dues and Capital Indebtedness Sharing Scheme and the Catholic Education Trust Fund. Heather has over twenty years experience in financial reporting and assurance including as a senior audit manager for Deloitte NZ, and as financial controller for a large Canadian public company.
04 496 1797
Karen Raitt, MBAManager, Policy and Projects
Karen has recently joined NZCEO in July 2019. She is responsible for providing governance advice, managing projects, developing publications and resources and also oversees NZCEO’s brand and communications. Karen is a lead organiser for the Catholic Education Convention. Karen has worked for many years in the sector, has experience of integrated school governance and supporting the school system to ensure all students can reach their potential. She has worked widely in the public sector in Wellington and in the private sector in the UK.
04 496 1763
Jane O'ConnellOperations Administrator
Jane has responsibility for the administration of supplementary agreements for property updates, maximum roll increases etc. She maintains the network database and co-ordinates the production of publications and mailouts. Her previous experience included school administration work.
04 496 1729
Adele PedreschiFront Office Staff
Adele is our longest serving staff member, having joined the office in 1995. She provides secretarial support, front-line work on communications and publications, and is the voice of the office on our phone line. Originally from Peru, she lived in North Carolina USA, and moved to New Zealand in 1989.
04 496 1739
Maria McKeeAdministrator
Maria has a varied role including administration of the office accounts, providing support in the collation of reports, publications and papers, and helping to maintain and edit the website. Her earlier experience included roles at State Insurance and NZI Insurance.