The appointment comes with impending retirement of David Condon after 20 years' service in the diocese.

Dr Towns has taught in diocesan schools for 10 years. Her previous appointments include teaching at St Patrick's Primary School, Macksville (1998-2001), John Paul College, Coffs Harbour (2002-2003) - where she was the Campus Head of the Bowraville annexe and teacher-middle leader at St Paul's Catholic College, Kempsey (2004-2007).

Dr Towns was appointed Deputy Principal of Mackillop Catholic College in Hobart in 2008. Later that year she became acting principal of the College and was appointed principal in 2009, a role she held until September 2015.

Since then, Dr Towns has been the director of school effectiveness in the Catholic Education Office, Diocese of Cairns. In this role, she has taken on significant leadership and administrative responsibilities, including that of acting deputy executive director and acting executive director.

Apart from a wealth of administration experience, Dr Towns also has an impressive academic profile including a PhD which examined the expectations and realities of students during their transition from primary to secondary education.

She holds a Bachelor of Education, has professional accreditation in Religious Education, has completed two Masters Degrees, in Education and in Educational Administration, and the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course. Dr Towns is currently studying for Masters Degrees in Business Administration and Theology.

Bishop Homeming it is an exciting time for diocese as it approaches a new era of governance and renewal in the church.

"Inspired, faith-filled leadership will be critical as we build on those aspects of our diocesan culture that we value deeply. As we face the challenges ahead, we will need Catholic education which renews, regenerates and adapts to changing times," he said.