Chris Ronan is a higher education leader focused on student equity and place-based tertiary access. He has worked across the United States, New Zealand and Australia in senior management and consultancy roles, and has contributed to national research on regional and rural participation and student transitions. Chris holds a Masters in Tertiary Education Leadership and Management from the University of Melbourne, is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and the Executive Program for Non-Profit Leaders at Stanford University. He was formerly the CEO of the Country Universities Centre and is a volunteer with the Society for the Provision of Education in Rural Australia.

Ashlee Jones brings deep experience in regional education, not-for-profit leadership and government-funded program delivery to her work with Study Hubs Australia. Formerly the Chief Operating Officer of the Country Universities Centre (CUC), Ashlee played a central role in establishing and growing the CUC network nationally, working alongside communities to strengthen access to tertiary education for regional and remote students.

Ash holds Bachelor degrees in Arts, Commerce and Education, combining her passion for learning with practical expertise in organisational leadership and social impact. She is driven by a belief that opportunity should not be defined by postcode, and that strong local partnerships are key to lasting change. Through Study Hubs Australia, Ashlee continues to champion thriving communities where students feel supported, capable and connected as they pursue their education goals.

Erin Wrafter is an experienced education leader with a strong commitment to advancing educational equity for students in regional and remote communities. With a background spanning secondary education, higher education, and the not‑for‑profit sector, Erin brings a deep understanding of the systemic barriers faced by students who are first in family, from low socio‑economic backgrounds, or living outside metropolitan areas.

Currently serving as Head of Widening Participation, Erin leads strategic initiatives that support access, participation, and success in tertiary education across regional Australia including the previously name Eastern Australian Regional Universities Centre Partnership, now known as Study Hubs In Place Partnership. Her work focuses on embedding sustainable, evidence‑based practice, and fostering strong cross‑sector partnerships with RUSH, schools, universities, community organisations, and industry.

Driven by a lifelong passion for education as a catalyst for social change, Erin is dedicated to creating inclusive pathways that ensure geography is never a barrier to opportunity.