Minister
The Commission is overseen by the Minister for Government Services, Hon Danny Pearson MP. The Minister for Government Services oversees the public sector, cyber security and citizen digital transaction reform.
Commissioner
Adam Fennessy (Until September 2022)
Adam Fennessy PSM is the Commissioner of the Victorian Public Sector Commission. He joined the Commission in July 2020 and finished in September 2022.
Adam has over 20 years of public sector experience at state and federal levels, including 4 years as Secretary of the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning and prior to that the Department of Environment & Primary Industries. Adam has worked in the private sector as a partner with advisory firm Ernst & Young. Adam has served on several boards including the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA Victoria), Infrastructure Victoria, Monash Sustainable Development Institute and Women & Leadership Australia.
Adam is a fellow of IPAA Victoria and a member of the Champions of Change network. In 2018, he received a public service medal for leadership in the Victorian public sector.
Deputy Commissioner
Ella McPherson (From November 2021)
Ella McPherson is the Deputy Commissioner of the Victorian Public Sector Commission. She joined the Commission in November 2021.
Following an early career in journalism and consulting, she has more than 15 years’ experience in the Victorian public service, during which time she has worked across a wide range of portfolios and agencies including: youth affairs, community development, business and innovation, the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, health and human services, education and infrastructure.
Ella held senior roles in communications, change strategy, executive and ministerial services and knowledge management, before taking on the role of Chief Operating Officer for the Victorian School Building Authority. Her last role before joining the commission was Assistant Deputy Secretary, Schools and Regional Service & COVID-19 Commander for the Department of Education and Training. She has Masters qualifications in Communications, Business Administration and Law.
Julia Griffith PSM (Until November 2021)
Julia Griffith PSM was the Deputy Commissioner of the Victorian Public Sector Commission from June 2019 to November 2021. She joined the Commission in June 2019 and retired in January 2022.
She has had more than 30 years’ experience in the Victorian public service, during which time she has been Deputy Secretary or Executive Director in a range of justice portfolios including youth justice, police, corrections, crime prevention, victims services and the infringements system.
Julia was also responsible for leading the Victorian Government’s employment programs for disadvantaged job seekers and redeveloping child protection placement and support services. Her career achievements have been built on a strong background in youth work, research, training and community development.
In 2018 Julia received a public service medal for leadership in the Victorian public sector.