Renee Van Aaken

Director, Delivery Performance and Culture, Correctional Services, New South Wales Department of Communities and Justice, Australia

Renee is an experienced leader in the Criminal Justice sector, with extensive and diverse experience in criminal justice including in operational, management and strategic areas. After completing a Criminology degree in 2001, Renee worked with Corrections Victoria in Community Corrections, Court Services and Offender Services and Programs before relocating to Corrective Services NSW in 2007. After several years in frontline operational and management roles in correctional centres, Renee was promoted to Regional Manager Operations, Offender Management and Programs in 2012. Renee then moved into project management where for the past 5 years she has project managed multiple initiatives under large scale reforms and restructures including the NSW Government’s Strategy to Reduce Reoffending Program and the Premier’s Priority to Reduce Recidivism. Last year she graduated with Honours in a Masters In Public Administration. Renee is passionate about making a difference, including for people impacted by the criminal justice system and those working within what is a very challenging system. She is driven to implement change effectively and make a difference and is currently focussed on a number of projects supporting the Premier’s Priority.