Our Board

Neil Barns, Owner and Director of Neil Barns Consulting Ltd and Chair of OPAIC Board

Dr Neil Barns has extensive experience in the tertiary education sector, recently as Interim Chief Executive of Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology and as the Chief Executive of CPIT.

Sam Alavi, Group Chief Executive – OPAIC and Future Skills

Sam Alavi has over 25 years of experience working in the private education sector in New Zealand, and predominantly in South Auckland, working with second-chance learners in a foundation education setting. Sam established Future Skills in 2000 in Manukau, to provide better opportunities for youth in South Auckland to access education and employment. Over the years he has grown and diversified Future Skills education activities to include tertiary level programmes for Levels 3 and above, and formed an alliance and partnership with Otago Polytechnic to set up the Otago Polytechnic Auckland International Campus catering to students studying at graduate, post-graduate and master's levels. He has a governance role for the delivery of building surveying to Building Control Authorities for regional councils, with BOINZ, Skill Org and Otago Polytechnic.

Phil Ker, Former Chief Executive – Otago Polytechnic

Phil Ker took up his appointment as Chief Executive of Otago Polytechnic in 2004.He has had a diverse array of experience and has developed a broad portfolio of expertise as both an academic and an administrator in both university and polytechnic environments.His previous roles have included lecturing in business and tertiary teacher education, staffdevelopment and management of student services, human resources, and property functions. He is particularly interested in business education, education for sustainability, staff development generally and leadership development specifically, and in the recognition of prior experiential learning.

Andrew McSweeney, Chief Executive - Otago Polytechnic

Having previously worked as Deputy Chief Executive: Learner and Employer Experience and Attraction for Te Pūkenga, and as the Chief Executive of Service IQ, Andrew has a deep knowledge and understanding of the power of vocational education. He’s worked closely with educators, employers, iwi and government to support the strategic delivery of high-quality education.

Andrew has over 30 years of industry experience across a range of sectors, including manufacturing, technology, financial services, farming, forestry and science, and has held senior management positions at organisations such as Fujitsu, ANZ, AgResearch, PGG Wrightson and NZ Food Industries.

This is complemented by over 15 years of governance experience. Andrew previously held governance roles for the Workforce Development Council – Service Industry, Rangi Ruru Girls School, and Youthline (Central South Island).

Andrew is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors (NZ) and holds a Bachelor of Applied Management, with distinction, from Otago Polytechnic.

John Gallaher, Chairman - Otago Polytechnic

John has over 40 years of experience in the financial services industry in funds and investment management, commercial and chartered accounting, management and banking. This is complemented by over 25 years of governance experience, across the education, health, forestry, sport and technology sectors.

John is currently Chairman of NZCEO Ltd/NZCEO Finance Ltd, New Dunedin Hospital (NDH) Southern Engagement Group, Grow Dunedin Partners and Te Kupenga CLI.

He’s a Director of the Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust and past Chairman of Mercy Hospital Ltd and City Forests Ltd.

John also has an active involvement in the non-profit and sporting sectors as Chairman of the Catalytic Foundation and the William Sherriff Charitable Trust, Trustee of The Dunstan Hospital Foundation and previously as Chairman of Basketball NZ and Member of the FIBA Finance Commission.

Glen Beal, Board Member - Future Skills Education Group

Glen is an experienced business leader with a strong background in finance.

A Chartered Accountant by profession, he spent over 30 years advising companies and communities in New Zealand, including a long tenure as a partner at Auckland accounting firm Campbell Tyson.

Glen has acted as a financial adviser for numerous enterprises, demonstrating extensive expertise in corporate governance and strategic planning. He has also held directorships and trustee roles in both business and non-profit sectors, championing sound financial management and sustainable growth.

With this blend of commercial acumen and community insight, Glen provides Future Skills with robust financial oversight. He is respected for ensuring transparency in financial governance and aligning fiscal strategy with
the organisation’s mission.

As a board member, he helps guide the organisation’s strategic direction and ensures its expansion is grounded in prudent, sustainable practices.