TasCOSS Annual Report 2024/25: Incoming and Outgoing TasCOSS Board Directors

I want to acknowledge and thank our volunteer Board of Governance for the vital role you play in leading and guiding TasCOSS. It is a privilege to work alongside you and to learn from your experience and insight.

In line with our Constitution, we remain committed to ensuring the TasCOSS Board continues to have the skills and expertise needed to effectively lead and govern the organisation.

Directors whose terms continue are:

• Georgie Ibbott
• Bruce Levett
• Dr Lisa Denny
• Belinda Witter
• Ryan Gilmour
• Patrick Carlisle

We say farewell to Penny Egan and Rodney Greene, who both retire at this AGM after serving on the TasCOSS Board, since 2019 and 2021 respectively. 

Penny Egan has been a highly respected leader in Tasmania for many years, bringing deep financial and governance expertise to the TasCOSS Board. Penny has contributed her skills in finance, audit and risk oversight to strengthen our governance and ensure TasCOSS remains on a sound footing. Her calm, thoughtful approach and her ability to balance detail with strategic vision have been invaluable to our work. On behalf of the TasCOSS Board and our members, I thank Penny for her service, her wisdom and her commitment to TasCOSS and the community services industry.

Rodney Greene has made an outstanding contribution to TasCOSS through his long career in community services and his leadership in place‑based and systems change, particularly on the North‑West Coast. His depth of experience and broad networks have helped TasCOSS see new ways to influence reform and foster stronger collaboration. We are deeply grateful for his generosity and his focus on equity and practical solutions, and thank him sincerely for his service to TasCOSS and the Tasmanian community.

As part of our annual board renewal program, and to ensure we continue to have the right mix of skills and experience to lead and govern TasCOSS, we undertook a recruitment campaign to fill three elected‑Director vacancies. Given the strong response and high calibre of applicants, a ballot was held, and I thank all members who participated in the voting process. Through this process, you have selected three new Directors who bring the specific skills, experience and attributes we need for the years ahead.

I am pleased to announce the following individuals were successfully elected to the TasCOSS Board, each for a three year term of office:

• Le-ella Doyle
• Andrew Hillier
• Jodie Stokes

Le-ella Doyle is an experienced executive leader with a strong background in service delivery, social policy and health promotion. As a new TasCOSS Board Director, she brings extensive experience in governance, financial stewardship and leadership, grounded in a career-long commitment to social justice, equity and diversity.

Andrew Hillier has over a decade leading Tasmanian community organisations, and brings strong governance and leadership experience to the TasCOSS Board. He is passionate about collaborative, place-based solutions, and is committed to ensuring our industry continues to serve Tasmanians with dignity, compassion and impact.

Jodie Stokes is a dynamic and accomplished leader with over 35 years of experience in community services. A passionate advocate for human rights and equality, she is dedicated to fostering a just and fair community for everyone in Tasmania and is a great addition to the TasCOSS Board.

Thank you to all who expressed interest in joining the TasCOSS Board and to our members for your engagement in the voting process. I’m delighted to welcome Jodie, Le‑ella and Andrew to the TasCOSS Board and I look forward to working alongside them in the years ahead. 

I’d like to again pay thanks to outgoing Board Directors, Penny Egan and Rodney Greene, for their time and dedication to TasCOSS and to the Tasmanian community services industry.