About

Michael has led the TCCI since 2013, championing the interests of Tasmanian businesses and strengthening the organisation’s role as the state’s peak employer body. 

Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2024 for his service to business, Michael brings extensive experience in media, marketing, and international engagement. 

He has held senior marketing roles with the Australian Maritime College and Federal Group, where he developed successful strategies to grow Tasmania’s international student and tourism markets. He also served as a Northern Zone Board Member with Tourism Tasmania, contributing to destination marketing and industry training. 

Michael is a current Board Member of TasBuild and was an inaugural Board Member of the Tasmanian JackJumpers, reflecting his commitment to Tasmania’s growth across business, education, and sport.

Colleen responsible for the day-to-day management of the organisation, including finance, operations and service delivery. She works closely with the team to make sure TCCI is running effectively, supporting members and delivering consistent, practical services to the business community.

Before joining TCCI, Colleen built her career across the skills, training and workforce development sectors, with roles at Skills Tasmania, Skills Victoria and the Tasmanian Skills Institute. Her experience includes project delivery, industry engagement and government-funded training programs.

Colleen has been with TCCI for over 16 years, most of those as Chief Operating Officer, and was appointed Company Secretary in 2022. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and regularly steps into the CEO role when required. During her time at TCCI, she has led a number of key initiatives, including the purchase of the organisation’s premises at 200 New Town Road.

Known for her practical, no-nonsense approach, Colleen focuses on keeping things moving and working through challenges as they arise.

Stacey is currently on 12-months leave from her position.

With over 15 years’ experience in coaching and leadership development, Stacey leads the delivery of training and business support services. She works with businesses to build practical skills, improve how teams operate and support better workplace outcomes. 

She has strong expertise in workplace relations, including the Fair Work Act, and regularly delivers training on topics such as leadership, communication and managing people at work.

Stacey holds a range of qualifications across business, training and project management, and is a certified practitioner in DISC, Emotional Intelligence and Workplace Motivators.

With more than a decade of experience in workplace relations and a strong foundation in employment law, Abbey brings deep expertise and practical insight to TCCI members navigating complex staffing issues.

Since 2013, Abbey has supported businesses across Tasmania with advice on Enterprise Agreements, unfair dismissal claims, workplace investigations, and representation before the Fair Work Commission. Her legal qualifications – including admission to practice in the Supreme Court of Tasmania and the High Court of Australia – set her apart in the field.

Abbey’s calm, confident approach and ability to translate complex legal concepts into actionable advice have made her a go-to advisor for businesses seeking clarity and compliance in an evolving regulatory landscape.

Whether you're negotiating with unions, navigating legislative obligations, or managing disputes, Abbey is committed to helping TCCI members make informed, confident decisions that support sustainable business outcomes.

With a background spanning business coaching, productivity, eLearning, and technology and automation, Mikala brings a strategic, yet practical and people-focused approach to her work.

 Alongside her role at TCCI, she has worked extensively with small business owners across Tasmania through mentoring and advisory programs, helping them strengthen their operations and build sustainable foundations for growth.

Mikala has delivered both technical and soft skills training for organisations including the Tasmanian Health Service, Digital Ready Tasmania and Business South. She is also a certified Life Coach and CliftonStrengths Coach, and regularly works with individuals and teams to better understand and leverage their strengths.

Having run her own businesses for over 20 years, Mikala understands the realities of business ownership and is passionate about collaboration and helping others do business in a way that aligns with their strengths, goals and circumstances.

With over 20 years in the hospitality industry, Matt brings a practical, real-world perspective to his work. He supports businesses at all stages, with a strong focus on workplace relations, employment compliance and managing staff.

Matt holds a Certificate IV in Business Management and a Certificate IV in Human Resources. He regularly assists with employment contracts, policies, performance management and award interpretation, helping employers work through issues and stay on track.

He also delivers workshops and support through programs such as Employer of Choice Assist, working with businesses to improve how their workplaces operate.

Known for his straightforward and collaborative approach, Matt works alongside business owners and managers to find solutions that are practical and fit how their business actually runs.

Becher is the Managing Director of Font PR, Tasmanian’s leading Public Relations, government Relations and Campaigning Consultancy, drawing together more than three decades as an award-winning state political reporter and public relations professional.

He is also a director Font Publishing, the publishers of The Tasmanian Country, The Tasmanian Business Reporter and a number of community based papers as well as being a partner in Enterprise Market and Research Services, Tasmania’s leading research and marketing company.

He has been recognised by his peers winning Media Entertainment and the Arts (MEAA) Awards for Excellence in Business and Tourism Reporting as well as Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) Golden Target Awards for his crisis management and campaigning skills.

Awarded Fellowship of the Public Relations Institute in 2014, Becher’s primarily focused on strategic communications advice to business, the community sector, government business enterprises and local government. 

Becher is one of Tasmania’s leading advisors for crisis media, reputation management, government relations and media training.

He joined the Board of the TCCI in 2024 and has been on the Board of Tasmanian Small Business Council (TSBC) for the last 20 years.

 Chair of the TCCI Board Policy Committee.
 B.Arts(Hons), PhD

Daniel is the Executive General Manager – Corporate and Regulatory Affairs at Federal Group, a position he has held since 2011. Federal Group employs nearly 2,000 people in Tasmania and has operated in the state for over six decades in the hospitality, tourism, retail, gaming, technology and sensitive freight. 

Prior to this Daniel was Chief Executive Officer at Tourism Industry Council Tasmania and General Manager at the Tasmanian Hospitality Association; and has held numerous senior roles within the Australian Government in Canberra – including in the Department of Finance and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. 

Daniel is a director of Football Tasmania and held the position of Senior Vice President on the Tasmanian Division Council of Property Council of Australia from 2011 to 2019. 

Daniel holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours from the Australian National University and a PhD in politics and public policy from the University of Tasmania.

BCom (Accounting), FCPA, CIA

Claire is a senior executive and CPA with 20 years of experience in both private and public sectors. Her expertise spans leadership, strategy, business development, HR, project management, financial reporting, risk management, governance and digital transformation.

Currently a Principal at Synectic Accountants and Advisers, Claire provides high-quality advisory and assurance services to a broad range of clients across various industry sectors. Claire is also President of the Devonport Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a Tasmanian Leaders Program graduate and serves on several Boards and Committees, including the Department of Treasury and Finance Audit and Risk Management Committee. 

Always striving for success, Claire also represents her profession on several industry bodies and is dedicated to community service and regional advocacy with a deep understanding of local business challenges and opportunities. On a personal level, Claire is committed to enabling positive change and inspiring others.

Chair of TCCI Finance, Governance and Audit Committee
 MBA (Melb), B.Com/LL.B, Dip FP and Cert Acc

Wayne commenced his career as a Barrister and Solicitor working both in Tasmania and London.  He also worked for an employer association and was responsible for advice on legislation and industrial relations. Wayne has now had over 25 years experience as a senior executive in financial services industry.  

Wayne was the Chief Executive Officer of Quadrant Superannuation from 1997 until 2015 and then Tasplan Super from 2015 to 2021 responsible for the overall operation and management of a superannuation fund and financial advice business. 

His expertise includes the creation of value in a highly regulated industry through driving a high performance culture that delivers continuous improvement and transformational change to ensure ongoing success in a rapid changing business environment.  

Wayne is currently a consultant in the financial services industry providing advice on strategic and operational matters.

GAICD Graduate Diploma Public Relations, Bachelor of Arts.

Katherine is an experienced group executive who is highly adept at balancing achievement of business imperatives (growth, profitability and sustainability) with ensuring a strong customer-centric approach to all elements of the business. 

She is a highly collaborative individual who actively seeks to nurture and develop internal relationships and build systems and processes that actively empower staff at all levels to ensure every customer contact 'counts' whilst cultivating and maintaining a strong risk culture aligned with the relevant industry sector. 

Katherine is a talented communicator who seeks to ignite high levels of engagement through mindful leadership designed to optimise business performance at multiple levels (individual, team and organisational).

Chair – Clean Energy Tasmania

Ian joined the TCCI Board in 2022 and currently serves on the Policy Committee.

He brings extensive leadership experience across small business, corporate, and international markets, with a career spanning senior sales, marketing, and general management roles in the technology and software sectors across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. His background includes executive-level responsibility for regional operations and market development, as well as hands-on experience as a small business owner.

In late 2023, Ian was appointed the inaugural Chair of Clean Energy Tasmania (CET), a TCCI working group and the peak body representing renewable energy project proponents in Tasmania. CET members collectively represent approximately $25 billion in renewable energy projects at various stages of development. In this role, Ian provides strategic leadership and advocacy for the clean energy sector, working closely with industry, government, and regional stakeholders to support sustainable economic growth across Tasmania.

Ian is a strong advocate for regional development, workforce readiness, and the long-term economic opportunities presented by Tasmania’s renewable energy sector. He is regularly engaged in public commentary and industry discussions promoting the state’s clean energy potential.

Chair of the TCCI WHS Committee

FAII CIP MAICD Grad Dip Insurance MBA

Leigh draws over 40 years of experience in the financial services sector in key distribution, leadership and executive roles throughout Tasmania, New South Wales and Queensland. Leigh’s current role is as General Manager/Director with Capital Innovation Insurance Group – insurance brokers.

Leigh is current Vice Chair for National Insurance Brokers Association, (NIBA) – VIC/TAS Division, current Chair for National Insurance Brokers Association, (NIBA) – Tas Sub-Committee, current  Board Director for Cancer Council Tasmania, current Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee for Cancer Council Tasmania and previously served as a Board Director for St Rita’s College Brisbane. 

He is also an active participant in the community on various committees and sporting clubs.

Jill joined Bank of Us in early 2017, after the decision had been made to transition to a Customer Owned Bank.

 Jill’s most recent banking roles as Head of Sales & Distribution – QT Mutual Bank 2014-16; Chief Operating Officer & Head of Member Services P&N (Mutual) Bank 2010-14; and Regional General Manager – Retail & Business Banking – Westpac 2009-10, have already seen her actively involved in the transition from a mutual to a bank.

Having commenced her banking career working for Trust Bank and its various iterations in Tasmania over a 10 year period, Jill also understands the nuances of the Tasmanian market.

 Jill has also held a number of other banking and corporate sector management roles including with CBA in Sydney and News Ltd.