Dr Don Zoellner has worked in the school, vocational and higher education sectors in the Northern Territory since 1973, retiring from a pro-vice-chancellor position at Charles Darwin University in 2010.

Dr Zoellner has held appointments in both Alice Springs and Darwin including acting principal at Darwin High School, principal Alice Springs High School and Executive Director of the former Centralian College in Alice Springs. He has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Enterprise and Career Education Foundation and Chairperson of the Australian Principals’ Associations Professional Development Council.

His formal qualifications include a Bachelor of Science in Education, Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and a Graduate Diploma in Senior Executive Public Sector Management. Dr Zoellner's PhD thesis was in the area of policy development and implementation of vocational education and training.