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Narelle Pearse

Chief Operating Officer

Professional Overview



Narelle Pearse is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at CQUniversity, an institution with a substantial presence across 27 locations in Australia. In this role, she oversees several key operational areas, including Digital Services, Commercial Services, Facilities Management, Finance, Business Intelligence, and Strategic Risk and Planning. Additionally, she has oversight responsibility for the University’s Governance Directorate.

Career Highlights



  • Current Role: Chief Operating Officer at CQUniversity

  • Previous Roles:

  • Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Finance and Planning)

  • Vice-President, Corporate and Student Services

  • Chief Financial Officer (CFO) since February 2014

  • CEO of Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday Regional Economic Development Corporation (REDC)


Narelle Pearse has over 30 years of experience in the private sector, covering both public and corporate accounting.

Educational Background



Ms. Pearse holds an impressive array of academic qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Commerce

  • Master of Commerce

  • Executive MBA

  • Graduate Diploma in Economic Development with Distinction

  • Graduate Diploma in Psychology from CQUniversity


She is also a:
  • Fellow of the Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand

  • Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors


Professional Associations and Activities



Narelle Pearse is actively involved in various professional settings:
  • Recently appointed COO during CQUniversity’s new strategic phase

  • Engaged as a presenter at the Times Higher Education Campus Live ANZ 2023 conference in Brisbane

  • Member of the CQShines Foundation Board


Achievements and Initiatives



Under her leadership, CQUniversity has celebrated notable achievements:
  • High rankings related to equity and graduate outcomes in the 2023 AFR Higher Education Awards

  • Steered master’s students in project management to gain hands-on experience through initiatives like visits to the Cross River Rail Centre.


Contact Information




  • Key Contacts:

  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer

  • Executive Assistant


Within Australia


  • Phone: 13 27 86


Outside Australia


  • Phone: +61 7 4930 9000


This detailed information on Narelle Pearse highlights her extensive experience, academic credentials, strategic influence at CQUniversity, and her role in significant achievements and initiatives, providing a comprehensive profile for relevant stakeholder engagement.