Common Ground Tasmania is represented by a Board of Directors.  The Board members are

Paul Lennon (Chairman); Managing Director of Rock Property, Kent Medwin (Vice Chairman); Elizabeth Thomas (Managing Director); Peter Blackwood, former CEO of Oak Tasmania; Fairbrother Board member, Thea Fairbrother; Managing Director of Hobart Production, Michael Fleming; Butler McIntyre & Butler partner Damien Geason;  and Chairman of Partners KPMG Tasmania Paul Green.

Directors do not receive remuneration.

 

Paul Lennon was appointed the Chairman of Common Ground Tasmania in December 2012.  He has  an extensive background in state politics and was a member of the Tasmanian State Parliament from 1990 until 2008, culminating in 4 years as Premier from 2004 – 2008.  During his time in politics, Mr Lennon was involved in a broad range of financial and economic and social and community development achievements, including the introduction of Common Ground permanent supportive housing to Tasmania.

 

Kent is Managing Director of Rock Property and is actively engaged in the community.  A past president of the Rotary Club of Sullivan’s Cove,  he is also the current Chairman of the Teen Challenge – ‘Live Free Tassie’ Residential Drug Rehabilitation Program and chairman of Ultra 106.5 community radio station.  Kent’s roles with non-profit organisations reflect his strong belief that with economic prosperity comes social responsibility.

 

Elizabeth worked in managerial positions in Hobart, Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne before returning to Tasmania in 1994 to become the Public Trustee of Tasmania.  In 2003, Liz resigned as CEO of The Public Trustee and established a successful business consultancy specialising in strategic planning and management leadership and development.  Liz has extensive Board Director experience and is a Graduate and current member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

 

Directors

Peter has had many years' experience in the non profit community sector, having been CEO of Oak Tasmania. The organisation provides employment, training and supported accommodation to people with a disability in Southern Tasmania. He is currently a Board member of the Public Trustee and is Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Peter is also an active member of the Mission for Seafarers.

 

Thea began her career as a nurse, before commencing a business career that has spanned 40 years.  Thea retired as Fairbrother Corporate Services Director in 2007 and continues as an active member of the Fairbrother Board.  Thea was instrumental in the formation of the Fairbrother Foundation, which permits the Fairbrother family, in conjunction with the Fairbrother Group, to provide charitable assistance and support to the community. Thea’s involvement with the mental health system has led her to become a vocal advocate for improvements, particularly in the past decade.  Thea is driven to make a positive difference to the lives of Tasmanians experiencing mental illness and homelessness by helping create an independent life-style environment where purpose and achievement, no matter how small, are possible.

 

Paul was appointed a partner of KPMG in 1993 and became Managing Partner of its Hobart office at the same time.  He was appointed Chairman of Partners - KPMG Tasmania in July 2000. Paul has spent time seconded to KPMG offices in Toronto and London.  He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, and a Member of the Institute of Internal Auditors and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.  Paul has filled a number of honorary roles both within and outside the accounting profession.  He is currently the Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Tasmanian Cricket Association and Honorary Consul-General to the Philippines.