Kangan Institute executive Michelle Johnston was named one of Victoria’s top 50 public sector women at the COVID-19 heroes ceremony on Friday (April 29) for demonstrating exceptional leadership during the pandemic.
Ms Johnston is the Chief people, culture and strategy officer at Kangan Institute in which she led the organisation’s COVID-19 response of more than 1,200 staff across 10 campuses, including Broadmeadows.
Her efforts ensured that more than 16,000 students were able to continue training remotely by implementing a loan laptop program for vulnerable students and ongoing check-ins.
She also introduced a leadership development program focusing on building leaders to lead Kangan Institute to be a modern workplace for all.
Furthermore, Ms Johnston organised for Kangan Institute to partner with DPV Health and commence a campaign to increase vaccination rates across the board.
“It is an absolute privilege to accept this award, however it represents and recognises the many people at Kangan Institute who have contributed to our ongoing service delivery during the pandemic, and our ability to provide a safe environment that enabled us to continue to provide education and training,” Ms Johnston said.
Ms Johnston’s long list of credentials includes an upcoming initiative, a gender equality action plan at the institute.
Kangan Institute’s Chief Executive Officer Sally Curtain congratulated Ms Johnston on her achievements.
“Michelle joined Kangan Institute in January 2021 and within a short time she has significantly transformed our organisation, turning the challenges of COVID-19 into areas of opportunity and improvement,” Ms Curtain said.
“This recognition is well-deserved, and we are incredibly lucky to have her as part of our TAFE and the Victorian public sector.”
