MEET THE BOARD

David Bartlett (Chair)

David was the 43rd Premier of Tasmania between 2008 and 2011.  During his parliamentary career he also held the positions of Minister for Education and Skills and Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology.  Since leaving the Tasmanian Parliament David has co-founded and led a number of startup technology based companies.  

He is currently Chair of ANZ tech company Fronde Systems, and a non-executive director of a number of other technology and innovation based companies.  Most recently David has driven the growth of basketball in Tasmania through his role as President of the Hobart Chargers and has led the successful attraction of a new National Basketball League club in Tasmania.  He holds a Bachelor of Science and Graduate Diploma of Business from the University of Tasmania.  

Sharifah Syed-Rohan

Sharifah is a final year law student undertaking a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Bachelor of Philosophy majoring in Bahasa Indonesian. Sharifah has experience in strategic planning, policy drafting, negotiation, management and leadership and excellent communications and critical thinking skills, which she has been able to develop and put to good use during her time with the TUSA.

Sharifah has undertaken several internships with non-governmental organisations, law firms and political organisations, participated in the VCLP and worked as a Student Engagement Leader.

She has held numerous positions with the TUSA during her time at UTAS including Welfare Officer (2017), Southern Campus President (2018) and then State President in 2019, where she also held a position on the Board of Management.  She has been a key change agent in the transformation that the TUSA is currently undertaking.

Rikki Mawad

Rikki is an experienced conflict resolver, facilitator, communicator and coach, Rikki works with individuals and organisations to prevent and resolve conflict, improve communications and to effectively engage and manage stakeholders. She has her own consulting business and maintains university teaching and research appointments in Tasmania and Queensland.

Rikki has extensive governance experience having served on different Boards in both the Government and Community Sector for the past 12 years.  Rikki’s past Board Experience includes the Tasmanian Academy, Colony 47 Partnership Brokers, The Link Youth Health Service and DRILL Contemporary Dance. In addition to her incoming role on the TUSA Board of Management Rikki is also the Chair of the Board of Connect 42 (formerly Chatter Matters) and on the Board of the Sexual Assault Support Service.

During her time at UTAS, Rikki served on the University Council, as well as numerous other UTAS Committees and fulfilled the roles of Welfare Officer, TUSA Clubs & Societies President and TUSA State President from 2005 to 2008.

Robert Meredith

Rob is a senior associate lawyer at Worrall Moss Martin Lawyers and was admitted as a legal practitioner in August 2011. His current practice is primarily in estate litigation, although he has broad experience across several other practice areas.   He was previously a casual tutor in criminal law at the UTAS Law School.

Rob is currently the President of the Link, a not for profit youth health services organisation, which delivers headspace services in Southern Tasmania.

During his time at UTAS, Rob served on the University Council, as well as numerous other UTAS Committees and fulfilled the roles of TUSA Activities President, Vice President and TUSA State President from 2008 to 2009.

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 process, data analysis, financial management, policy development and review, communication and facilitation.  Her most recent positions have been with Regional Development Australia and 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$70m 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 Defence Industry, responsible for the delivery of a number multi-million dollar import deals for the Australian Defence Force. Tyson had served 10 years as an Officer in the Royal Australian Navy specialising in Navigation and Intelligence prior to joining defence industry.

Pennelope Ratcliffe

Penny has extensive business and governance experience, leading global energy businesses and serving on various boards internationally for the past 20 years. She has a history of working with complex organisations to develop and implement strategy and financial sustainability.  Penny is a UTAS alumni and is currently the Executive Director supporting the student living communities across the state, including the development of new accommodation buildings.

Braydon Broad

Hey everyone, my name is Braydon Broad and I am your State President for 2020.

This year my main priority is to work with you, your best friend, your ex – hell maybe even your goldfish to convince our university to abandon its support for the fossil fuel industry.

This is not to say I won’t have time for anything else. There’s a fair chance you’ll see me all over the place in the months to come. If you want to see something change at UTAS or you’ve got a problem you’re not sure how to solve, you can reach me at bjbroad@utas.edu.au or you can call me on 0429336920.

Sophie Crothers

Sophie is undertaking her fourth year of 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 is the 2021 Equity President for the TUSA State Council, advocating for students from vulnerable groups and working with community organisations to support students. If you have any ideas for inclusion at UTAS or concerns, please reach out to her at sophie.crothers@utas.edu.au or 0477851821.