The TasTAFE Board is appointed by the Minister for Skills Training and Workforce Growth.
The TasTAFE Board is responsible for the sustainable and effective governance and growth of TasTAFE, with a primary focus on advancing the objectives of the Strategic and Corporate Plans.
Our Board Members bring diverse expertise from careers across different industries within Tasmania and beyond. This diversity of knowledge ensures we have the necessary skills and strategic outlook to take us forward into the future and maintain quality leadership and governance over time.
The Board meets monthly and is supported by two committees: Audit and Risk Management Committee; and People, Safety and Culture Committee.
Board members are appointed by the Minister for a two-year term. The CEO is an ex-officio Director.
Meet our Board Members
Tim Gardner
Chair
Tim has more than 30 years’ experience in business leadership, management and strategic development with a focus on public infrastructure.
After undertaking various government roles early in his career, Tim joined his family’s business, Stornoway, in 1998. Tim led the business as CEO and then Managing Director for 12 years before stepping into the role of Chair. Stornoway provides civil asset services nationally to all levels of government, as well as to a wide range of private sector clients.
Tim currently chairs the Board of Metro Tasmania and is a director of Football Tasmania.
Lee Astheimer
Board member
Lee has a strong interest in the role vocational education plays in the spectrum of tertiary training and industry capability in Australia. Lee has previously been a member of the Board of Melbourne Polytechnic TAFE (2016-2020), with a focus on education quality and academic governance.
Previously, she was Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research at Deakin University (2009-16) where she managed the growth and development of Deakin’s research portfolio, including research training, infrastructure, engagement with business and industry, and international research partnerships.
Lee has a BSc (Biology, Hons) from Lakehead University, Canada and a PhD in Ecology from the University of California, USA and has held research and academic positions at University of Washington in Seattle, USA, Rutgers University USA, the University of Tasmania and the University of Wollongong.
John Maddock, AM
Board member
John has extensive governance and senior executive leadership experience in the tertiary and adult education sectors, including serving in Chief Executive Officer positions at Box Hill Institute Group, the Gordon Institute of TAFE and the CAE.
John currently serves as a non-executive director with Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) and is Chair Finance and member of its Audit and Risk Committee. He is also Chair of the Melbourne Central Basketball Association Board.
John’s previous governance experience as a non-executive director within the education sector includes Victorian Curriculum & Assessment Authority (VCAA) and its Audit and Risk Committee, VTAC Board of Trustees, Deakin University Council and its Audit Risk Committee. John has also served on the Monash University Facility of Education Board, Innovation and Business Skills Australia (IBSA), Australian Training Products and eCoach Boards and as a member of the Victoria Polytechnic Vice Chancellor’s Advisory Committee at Victoria University. John is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
John was awarded the Australia Sports Medal for volunteer services with the Sydney 2000 Olympics. In 2013, John was made a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia for significant service to vocational education and training, and to the sport of basketball.
Anna Reid
Board member
Anna joined the Board in January 2022 and is passionate about equity in education and the role education plays in providing the future leaders, creators and workforce of Tasmania.
Anna has over 20 years of marketing experience across a diverse set of industries and geographies. As an award winning and experienced CMO Anna specialises in brand and digital transformation that is customer led and commercially oriented.
Anna is a Director in EY's Consulting practice specialising in customer led transformation and is focussed on the Education sector. Prior to joining EY, Anna led the brand and digital transformation of the Sydney Opera House, winning awards globally and locally.
Yvonne Rundle
Board member
Yvonne is passionate about the positive impact education has on the student, the community and the State. Her passion for education was triggered with her appointment to the University of Tasmania Council in 2005 and her subsequent appointment as Deputy Chancellor in 2008 through to 2011.
Yvonne is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the University of Tasmania. Yvonne is a former owner and director of a state-wide chartered accounting practice and has over 30 years of experience in public practice, consulting in areas such as succession planning, strategic planning, corporate governance, risk management, business and taxation advice.
Yvonne has experience in a range of board roles with her current roles including Director of Aurora Energy Pty Ltd and Chair of its Board Audit and Risk Committee, as well as the Director of TT-Line Company Pty Ltd and Chair of its Audit and Risk Committee and Remuneration Committee. Yvonne is also a Non-Executive Director on the Boards of Metro Coaches (Tas) Pty Ltd and Metro Tasmania Pty Ltd and a committee member of Metro’s Audit and Risk Committee.
In addition to her roles on various state-owned companies, Yvonne is also a Director of Action Against Homelessness Limited a not-for-profit charity seeking to find solutions for homelessness in the Devonport community and a number of privately owned companies.
Naomi Walsh
Board member
Naomi has a strong interest in workforce development, industry engagement and skills for the future with experience in industry sectors employing trainees and apprentices. She believes that industry-relevant skills are critical for students to succeed in their careers.
Naomi has 30 years’ experience in finance and commercial management roles including 13 years with a private company with operations in construction, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality sectors. In 2014 she was awarded the Telstra Business Women’s Award, Tasmania Corporate sector recognising her leadership in the Tasmanian construction industry.
Naomi’s qualifications include Master of Business, Fellow Chartered Accountant, Graduate Australian Institute of Company Directors and alumni of the Tasmania Leaders program. She is deputy chair of the Chartered Accountants (CAANZ) Tasmanian regional council and Tasmanian representative on the CAANZ National Council.
Naomi is a non-executive director of Motor Accidents Insurance Board (Tas), Commissioner for Tasmanian Legal Aid, Tasmanian Development and Resources Board, Mental Health Council of Tasmania and Launceston Chamber of Commerce. She is Academic Lead Employability in the College of Business and Economics at the University of Tasmania.