Helen Hatton, the deputy director of the Jersey Financial Services Commission, will take on the position for the next two years.
She replaces Clive Barton, who is stepping down after three years.
Mrs Hatton has been vice-chairman for three years, during which time she has also been chairing the standards committee.
A former business studies lecturer, she was deputy head of Bridgwater College’s business school in the 1980s and currently has a son at Highlands.
Mrs Hatton, who has been a governor for eight years, said she was a big supporter of Highlands’ work.
