Well-respected local business manager Martin Coates has been appointed Chairman of WEA Hunter.

Martin has been on the board of the quality education provider for the past nine years and part of the board executive team for the past four years. He has extensive experience in business and project management and in a career spanning more than 30 years has held senior positions in the telecommunications and local government sectors.

Currently Regional Director of Defence Housing Australia, Martin has an MBA from the University of Newcastle.

WEA Hunter General Manager, Rowan Radvan, welcomed Martin to the role.

“Martin will be instrumental in helping the 100-year-old organisation through its next development stage,” Rowan said.

“In the changing educational landscape WEA Hunter is well positioned to provide a unique, accessible and affordable alternative. Under Martin’s leadership we plan to ensure WEA Hunter can provide quality education and training opportunities for our community.”

Martin paid tribute to the immediate past chairman, Meg McNaughton, who served four years in the role.

“Her significant contribution to the organisation’s growth, particularly through the recent major industry reforms within the training and education sector, has been outstanding,’ Mr Coates said. WEA Hunter is the 5th largest provider of community-based adult learning in NSW. It is also one of the sector’s most diverse education providers offering government contract training, vocational education training and youth education.”