Board Members
The TUSA is governed by a state-wide Board of Management. For more detailed information about the governance of the TUSA, you can read our Constitution.
If you would like to see a copy of our Annual Reports or Board Minutes, please click here.
These are our current Board Members.
Danny Sutton (Chair)
Danny Sutton was appointed as the Chief Executive of Colony 47 in July 2016 and transitioned to the role of Chief Impact Officer in March 2023.
Danny commenced his career as a journalist and has broad industry experience in policy, operational management, and senior executive roles in the social services, ICT, utilities, agriculture, and state and commonwealth public sectors. Danny has been a Board Director for a number of organizations, including Impact Fertilizers, OnStream, Bethlehem House, TasCOSS, the Committee for Greater Hobart, the Training Authority of Tasmania, and several industry training boards. Danny has held various Board leadership roles, including as the Managing Director for the national Richmond Fellowship Australia organization, the Board Chair for the Flourish organization in Tasmania, and was recently appointed as the Independent Chair of TUSA. Danny holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from UTAS, a Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Queensland, and has also completed executive education programs at Harvard Business School and the Oxford Said Business School.
Jennifer Newman
Jen has more than twenty years’ experience in public sector, government agency, and business development roles, with specific expertise in project management, relationship building, business facilitation, and planning. With a background in business and economic development, Jen has an excellent understanding of good governance and formal processes, data analysis, financial management, policy development and review, communication, and facilitation. Her most recent positions have been with Regional Development Australia and the Department of State Growth.
During her time at UTAS, Jen served on the University Council as well as numerous other UTAS Committees and fulfilled the roles of TUSA Societies President in 1993 and TUSA State President in 1994. She was also a member of the TUSA Board of Management during this period.
Tyson Wienker
Tyson Wienker is the Director of Digital Futures at the University of Tasmania. In this position, he is responsible for digital literacy and capability programs to ensure the university is promoting digitally innovative pedagogical practices and technology. Tyson also sits on the Tasmanian University Student Association Board.
Prior to joining the University, Tyson was the Managing Director of LexisNexis Greater China and North Asia from 2014 to 2019, responsible for leading all areas of the >AUD$70 million business and developing strategies to expand the adoption of online and digital information-based services and solutions.
Prior to joining LexisNexis, Tyson worked with the Australian Defense Industry, responsible for the delivery of a number of multi-million-dollar import deals for the Australian Defence Force. Tyson had served 10 years as an Officer in the Royal Australian Navy, specializing in Navigation and intelligence, prior to joining the defense industry.
Dr Rachel Baird
Dr Rachel Baird is Senior Lecturer at the University of Tasmania Law School having returned to academia in 2023. She has previously held roles with the Department of Defence (as a senior military lawyer) and then practiced environmental law working in legal practice and the resources industry. Her prior academic career produced over 30 journal articles and several book chapters. Whilst at the University of Queensland she was awarded the Business Economics and Law Faculty, Best Paper by an early career researcher, the paper addressing illegal fishing within Australia’s Southern Ocean fishing zone. Rachel’s PhD focussed on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the Southern Ocean and was published by Springer. She co-edited the text Australia’ Coastal and Offshore Jurisdiction. During corporate life, Rachel served on many boards whilst developing a corporate governance consultancy. She authored several industry publications during that time and developed expertise in sustainability governance. Rachel is currently researching governance issues within the Antarctic Treaty System and organisational adaptation to stakeholder driven sustainability disclosures.
Sophie Crothers
Sophie recently graduated from a Bachelor of Psychological Science and Law, and has a strong passion for inclusion, social justice and law reform. Outside of university she is an avid reader, hockey player and lover of the Tasmanian wilderness.
Sophie was the 2022 President for the TUSA State Council, and had a passion for advocating for students from vulnerable groups and working with community organisations to support students. Sophie sits on the board as the outgoing TUSA President.
Liam McLaren (he/him)
Liam is undertaking his Honours year of a Bachelor of Science, with a passion for climate change communication, conducting social research within regenerative agriculture. Outside of university, Liam is your classic sports mad fan, whilst also enjoy hiking and travelling as far and wide as possible!
Liam is the both the 2023 and 2024 TUSA President for the State Council. As a student representative, his primary role is to be representative of students. Hence, please feel free to get in touch about anything – ideas for events or programs, problems you see at UTAS, problems you see at TUSA, how to get involved with TUSA, or even just a chat! Reach out anytime at president@tusa.utas.edu.au or +61 456 087 863.
Mark Warrington (he/him)
Hello, I’m Mark Warrington (he/him), your 2024 Equity President. Representing diverse voices, I’m a third-year Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science student majoring in Governance. With firsthand experience of Vision and Hearing impairment and as a member of the Queer community, I bring a unique perspective. Formerly in Agricultural Services, I’ve worked internationally and for Indigenous Australians, focusing on food security. My passion lies in creating equitable spaces within the University and beyond, advocating for Disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and diverse ethnic backgrounds, including First Nations peoples. I’m committed to accessibility and approachability, eager to hear your concerns at equity.president@tusa.utas.edu.au. Your voice matters—I’m here to advocate for you!