In April 2019, following an extensive international recruitment process, TAFE SA appointed David Coltman to lead the organisation as its new Chief Executive, . David was previously Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Pathways and Vocational Education at Swinburne University of Technology. He joined Swinburne as the Executive Director of Pathways and Vocational Education in March 2015. He also became a director and then Board Chair of the National Institute of Circus Arts in March 2016.

David has an extensive history in the management and delivery of programs that increase participation in higher education of underrepresented communities. His work with Maori, Pacific and refugee communities in New Zealand is well recognised. He has been heavily involved in the governance of community organisations and has a strong commitment to the role of education in transforming lives through access to employment outcomes and economic parity. David has spearheaded Swinburne’s award-winning Industry 4.0 higher apprenticeship program in partnership with Siemens and the Ai Group. This program has prepared students for work in highly digitised environments, and has been nationally recognised for its innovation and effectiveness.

David holds a Master of Adult Education and a Master of Public Administration. He also completed the Institute of Educational Leadership Program at Harvard University and the Kellogg Foundation’s Institute of Developmental Education.