Sam Dighton
Council Chair

Sam joined the Committee for Adelaide as Chief Executive Officer in March 2023, bringing more than 20 years’ international and domestic experience.

Sam is an experienced executive and accomplished leader having led various divisions during his time at ElectraNet including Commercial, Corporate Services and Legal and Risk, as well as being the General Counsel and Company Secretary.

Sam started his career at Piper Alderman, before spending more than 10 years in the UK, first at the South Australian Office of the Agent General, before becoming a Partner at leading top UK law firm Winckworth Sherwood.  On returning to South Australia, Sam led the Riverbank and Strategic Projects portfolio at Renewal SA, before moving to ElectraNet. 

Sam holds a Masters of Business Administration from Kingston University in the UK, a Bachelor of Laws from University of Adelaide, a Bachelor of Arts from Flinders University.  Sam is also a recent graduate from Insead Business School in France and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.As a committed and visible member of the Mercedes College community, Sam brings management, commercial, legal and governance experience to the College Council and committees. Sam’s daughter is currently in Year 7.

Sue Kennedy-Branford

With more than 35 years in Catholic Education SA as a teacher, including 2 years at Mercedes College, principal, board chairperson and system leader, Sue has a comprehensive knowledge, understanding and experience of schools. 

As Assistant Director People, Leadership and Culture with the Catholic Education Office, Sue works collaboratively and strategically driving improvement, innovation and change across more than 100 South Australian Catholic schools. Here her focus is on leading system strategy to enhance a culture of professional growth attracting, sustaining and valuing people, their leadership and workforce excellence.

Sue is delighted to bring her educational leadership experience to the College Council and serve the Mercedes College community in a governance context.  She holds a Masters of Educational Leadership and Management from the University of Newcastle, and a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies from Flinders University.

Michael Callisto

As a Mercedes College student from 1986 to 1998, and now as a parent, I would like to give back to the community that has been a big part of my life.

I joined the Committee at an exciting period in its history, with the opening of the Yitpi Centre and Gleeson Theatre and the 70 year anniversary in 2024, and I believe my background in Business Management and Finance and ownership of our own family business gives me the necessary skills to contribute to the College Council in a meaningful way.

I am proud to watch my two daughters benefit from a Mercedes College education.

Toby Hughes

My wife and I have been fortunate to have five children attend Mercedes; each has had a different journey.  They have benefitted from the overall leadership and governance provided by School Council, and I’d like to repay this support.

I have a significant track record in tertiary education and research leadership, which would be valuable additions to the skillset of the Council. I have a professional interest in educational and pastoral transition from secondary to tertiary education, and I look forward to providing valuable input into processes and systems designed to help senior students make good choices to support their career aspirations.

Pip Metljak

As an old scholar of Mercedes College (1996-2006), Pip has a deep connection to the College and a strong desire to contribute to its ongoing success. Pip’s education at the College instilled in her values of excellence, leadership, and service, which have shaped both her personal and professional journey.

After completing a combined degree in Law and International Studies, Pip pursued a career in the legal profession and is now a principal at a leading development and planning law firm. Pip has strong skills in management, compliance, and governance — skills that she is privileged to bring to her role on the College Council.

Beyond her professional background, Pip is also a mum to four children, which gives her a personal stake in ensuring the College continues to thrive as a place of academic, personal, and spiritual growth. Pip’s Catholic faith is central to her life, and she values the opportunity to support a school that upholds these principles, fostering a faith-based education that nurtures the whole person.

Pip is committed to working collaboratively to ensure the College remains a place of excellence, inclusivity, and faith, enabling all students to flourish.

Christopher Kee

Professor Christopher Kee is the Chair of Academic Senate at Flinders University and member of the Flinders University Council. He is a professor of law and the Dean (Education) in the College of Business, Government and Law. He joined Flinders University in 2018 from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, where he was Dean of Post Graduate Taught Studies for the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Business. Before that he worked at the University of Basel, Switzerland and Deakin University.  A Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Chris brings corporate and academic governance expertise.

Aside from his experience in senior management roles in universities, Chris has particular legal expertise in the fields of dispute resolution and international arbitration.  He has sat as arbitrator, and has been appointed as an expert witness in several international arbitrations.   Prior to moving into academia full time, Chris practiced law in Victoria.  He is also a Director of the prestigious Willem C Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot.

Chris has a son in Year 8, and two younger children who will join the College in the coming years.

David Lawlor

David is an experienced CFO and business manager who brings strong financial, commercial and governance expertise to the Council.

He has served on the College’s Finance, Risk and Infrastructure Committee since 2021.  David is pleased to contribute to the strategic direction and long‑term performance and sustainability of Mercedes College.

With a son in the Senior School and another who recently graduated, David is a strong supporter of the College community and is committed to contributing to the school’s long‑term success, enhancing opportunities for students and supporting the ethos and values of the College.

David is a Fellow of CPA Australia and holds an MBA from the University of Adelaide.

Joseph Maniscalco

Joseph is a proud old scholar of Mercedes College, having attended from 1995 to 1999. With a long‑standing connection to the school and a deep appreciation for the strong sense of community that defines Mercedes, Joseph is now a Mercedes parent and has two children currently enrolled in the middle school. He is committed to supporting the College’s continued growth and making a contribution towards ensuring a positive, future‑focused experience for all students.

Joseph is an experienced commercial lawyer, currently working within the Crown Solicitor’s Office as the Executive Solicitor for the Department for Infrastructure and Transport. He has extensive experience advising on major infrastructure projects and complex commercial transactions, bringing valuable expertise to the College Council’s work in governance, risk management, and long‑term planning.

Joseph is also an active community member, regularly involved in organising and participating in local sporting activities and community initiatives, and he coaches and referees junior sport both at Mercedes and at club level.

Kristen Martins

Kristen is passionate about the Mercedes College community and its future direction. As an Old Scholar, the Mercy Keys are an important detail for Kristen, as she believes in their contribution to the development of our students to have them ready for the world, as well as helping them grow into great people.

With a recent Mercedes College graduate in the family, and another son in Year 8, Kristen is a proud Mercedes mum who enjoys watching her children experience the quality and care that comes with a Mercedes College education.

Kristen's diverse background has a strength in governance, business development, strategy and human resources management complements the skills and backgrounds of other Council and Committee Members.

Andrew Balkwill
Principal

Appointed in 2020, Andrew is a distinguished educator and leader within Catholic education.

During his career, he has been Principal of Thomas More College, Sacred Heart College Middle School, and served as a Principal Consultant within the Catholic Education Office, mentoring education leaders.

Committed to our ethos and Mercy Keys, Andrew is an active advocate for schools partnering with families to set every student up for success.