CUC welcomes interim Chief Operating Officer

The Country Universities Centre (CUC) is pleased to announce that Isabelle Gillespie has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Isabelle steps into the role as the current COO, Ashlee Jones, takes 12 months parental leave starting mid-December. Isabelle comes to the CUC with almost a decade of working in public affairs, policy development and strategic communications, and has a passion for regional Australia.

Throughout her career, she has worked directly with regional communities during her time in politics and government and led the strategic direction across various portfolios for a Cabinet Minister. This included developing the first NSW Regional Youth Strategy and Action Plan which recognised that success of regional young people is central to the vitality and growth of regional communities and economies. Isabelle also worked on the establishment of the Regional Health Division for NSW Health and its dedicated Coordinator General (now Deputy Secretary). Most recently, Isabelle was Head of Programmes for the London-based think-tank, the International Longevity Centre where she led a team of staff driving change with policy and decision-makers across the G20, G7, EU and OECD.

Isabelle shared her enthusiasm for filling the COO position.

“For many years I have watched with great admiration the CUC Network flourish. I am now thrilled to be joining Chris and the hard-working CUC team in a role that will allow me to continue to work with communities to help unlock the potential of regional Australia.”

“The CUC is redefining the way people of any age, stage and location can upskill, retrain, and participate in higher education. Each Centre is having an incredible impact on enhancing educational opportunities locally and I am looking forward to working with the Central team and wider CUC Network in what will undoubtedly be another year of growth and development in 2025.”

Chris Ronan, CEO of CUC, looks forward to working alongside Isabelle and the breadth of experience she will bring in leading operations.

“I am delighted for Isabelle to bring her experience across government, policy and regional Australia to the leadership of the CUC and work with her as the CUC continues to evolve.”

Isabelle grew up on the NSW Mid-North Coast and is now based on a remote farming property in North-Western NSW.

Please join us in welcoming Isabelle to the CUC team and wishing Ashlee the best of luck as she welcomes her baby girl into her family come January.