Two senior education leadership appointments have been announced, with Dr David Howes appointed Secretary of Victoria’s Department of Education and Adam Wojtonis named the new Executive Officer of the Australian Primary Principals Association (APPA).
Dr Howes, who has been Acting Secretary of the Victorian Department of Education, has served as Deputy Secretary, Schools and Regional Services since 2019.
He brings experience across teaching, education leadership, curriculum and policy in Australia and internationally. He began his career as a teacher in Melbourne’s western suburbs before moving into leadership roles and serving as an Educational Adviser to the Royal Government of Cambodia, where he contributed to curriculum, standards and teacher training.
Dr Howes was appointed CEO of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) in 2017 and became Chair of the Victorian Government’s Expert Advisory Panel for Rural and Regional Students in 2019.
In 2021, he was awarded a Public Service Medal (PSM) for his contribution to educational equity and excellence for Victorian school students.
Victorian Premier Ben Carroll said Dr Howes brought experience spanning teaching, leadership and education policy.
“David brings a wealth of experience to this role, ranging from classroom teaching and leadership roles to education policy both in Australia and internationally,” Mr Carroll said.
“Throughout his career David has demonstrated a strong commitment to educational excellence and delivering what’s best for every Victorian student – I look forward to working with him as Secretary.”
At APPA, Mr Wojtonis will take over as Executive Officer following Graeme Feeney’s decision to retire at the end of September.
Mr Wojtonis brings more than 15 years’ leadership experience across corporate and public-sector environments, including governance, executive leadership, strategic planning, communications and stakeholder engagement.
Most recently, he served as Divisional Director of the Canberra Liberals, where he was responsible for governance, compliance, organisational operations and strategic execution, working with the Board, members and external stakeholders.
APPA said his experience supporting boards, implementing strategic priorities, managing operations and finances, overseeing compliance and risk, and working with government and stakeholders would support the organisation’s national role representing primary school principals.
Outgoing APPA President Angela Falkenberg said Mr Wojtonis had a strong appreciation of the role primary school principals play in Australian communities and APPA’s role in supporting and advocating for the profession.
Related news: APPA has elected Debbie Hansen as its new President and Martin Lubrano as Deputy President, with both taking up their roles in January 2027.