Alyce Lotz - Centre Manager

I’m deeply passionate about connecting with people and discovering what motivates and inspires them. With a strong foundation in Marketing and HR, I spent 16 years contributing to diverse roles at the University of Southern Queensland, gaining invaluable insights and experience. This journey led me to coordinate the State Government-funded Partner Up Queensland program for the Darling Downs and South West region, where I worked tirelessly to ensure regional communities had equal access to Science and Innovation opportunities as their metropolitan counterparts.

At the core of everything I do is a commitment to making a positive difference. Whether it’s fostering collaboration, driving success, or simply sharing a smile, my goal is to uplift others and leave a lasting impact in every interaction.

Vic Pennisi - Chair

Vic Pennisi is a dedicated advocate for regional communities, born and raised in Stanthorpe, Queensland. Elected Mayor of Southern Downs Regional Council in March 2020, Vic's public service career began in 2004 as a Councillor for the Stanthorpe Shire Council, continuing through the amalgamation into Southern Downs Regional Council in 2008.

Vic is widely known across regional Queensland for his leadership roles, including Chair of Regional Development Australia (RDA) Darling Downs and South West, and State Director of Football Queensland, where he introduced the Women’s League and State League. With 23 years in the automotive industry and experience running a hardware store in Stanthorpe, Vic has deep insights into small business and agriculture. His work with the local Chamber of Commerce further strengthens his understanding of regional community needs.

Vic is focused on strategic leadership, economic development, and sustainable growth, particularly in natural resources, agriculture, and tourism. A qualified enterprise facilitator and graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, he was awarded the “Ordine Della Stella D’Italia” by the Italian Government in 2022.

Married to Sharon, Vic and his wife have four adult children and five grandchildren.

Chris Ronan - Director

Chris leads CUC as CEO, he has worked in the higher education and not-for-profit sectors across the United States, New Zealand, and Australia with a focus on Regional, Rural and Remote higher education policy, student equity, widening participation and rural student transitions.

He holds a master’s degree from the LH Martin Institute for Tertiary Education Leadership and Management at the University of Melbourne with a focus on Regional, Rural and Remote higher education policy and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). Chris is the National President of the Society for the Provision in Education in Rural Australia (SPERA) and an Executive Member of Equity Practitioners in Higher Education Australasia (EPHEA).

Gary Lawrence - Director

Gary John Lawrence, born and raised in Glen Innes, NSW, began his career as an auto electrician apprentice before joining the Royal Australian Air Force as a ground support technician, serving across Australia and in Butterworth, Malaysia. Afterward, Gary spent six years in coaching and development roles with Queensland and Australian Rugby League.

He then transitioned to hospitality, serving as CEO and GM of various clubs in NSW and Queensland. Gary later became Principal Maintenance Manager for Toowoomba Regional Council before returning to Warwick to co-manage the family business, DD Event Hire, with his wife Joanne. Together, they also established JoJo Brewhouse and opened JoJo’s On Victoria.

Gary has held numerous board positions, including president of the Warwick Chamber of Commerce, director at SDIEA, and deputy chair of Toowoomba Rugby League. His leadership and community involvement reflect his belief in creating opportunities for education and employment in regional areas. Gary is passionate about ensuring local students can study and succeed while staying within their community. He strongly supports CUC Southern Downs’ mission to empower regional students and strengthen connections with local businesses.

Michael Hefferan - Director

Michael Hefferan is an Emeritus Professor at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) and former Pro Vice-Chancellor (Engagement), specialising in regional and economic development. He previously held executive roles within the Queensland Department of State Development, overseeing major infrastructure, economic, and education initiatives.

Michael holds a PhD, Master of Applied Science, and Graduate Diploma in Management. He authored Real Property in Australia, published over 30 academic papers, and served as joint editor of the Australian Journal of Regional Studies. A graduate of the AICD Directors’ Course, he brings extensive board experience in public and private sectors.

A former State President of the Australian Property Institute, Michael was awarded Emeritus status for his contributions to education and regional development. With over 100 years of family ties to the Southern Downs and part-time residence in Stanthorpe, he understands the challenges faced by external students.

Helen Nolan - Director

Helen brings extensive leadership and operational expertise, with a proven track record in stakeholder engagement across government, business, and not-for-profit sectors. With significant experience in national and regional roles within large service organisations, she is passionate about leadership, management, and achieving strategic goals. Her key strengths include:

- Designing business strategies, operational models, marketing campaigns, and business development initiatives
- Communicating complex concepts clearly
- Leading and collaborating with teams to achieve shared objectives
- Driving transformational change
- Delivering revenue growth and productivity across diverse sectors

Helen has held several executive roles in higher education, focusing on increasing access and participation in regional, rural, and remote communities. Her dedication to fostering growth and opportunity fuels her commitment to making a meaningful impact in these areas.

Kyle Thompson - Director

Kyle Thompson is the seventh principal of SCOTS PGC College, beginning in late 2017. A passionate educator and leader, Kyle is committed to helping people excel in sports, academics, and the workplace. His career started in sports, where he earned a Masters in Sports Management. Kyle discovered his love for teaching while coaching professional players and children in cricket during his studies at Sydney University.

After qualifying in education, Kyle worked for seven years with the Department of Education and Training in New South Wales. He then joined Cranbrook School in Sydney as Sportsmaster for six years. Kyle spent 11 years at Brisbane Boys' College, where he made significant contributions as Director of Sports and Activities and later as Deputy Headmaster / Head of Senior School. He played a key role in shaping the college’s strategic direction, managing initiatives in pastoral care, student leadership, classroom learning, and pathway development.

Kyle believes in the importance of relationships in education. While academics are crucial, he places equal value on teaching students about life and helping them find their place within it.

Sarah Fea - Director

Driven by a passion for community growth and innovation, I am an accomplished leader with executive-level experience across multiple sectors, including finance, local government, and healthcare. With over 18 years of deep-rooted involvement in the Southern Downs region, I have developed a unique perspective on community engagement, operational strategy, and business development.

I hold a CPA qualification, a Bachelor of Commerce (Banking, Finance, and Accounting), a Bachelor of Laws, and I am a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia. My diverse background spans roles such as Director of Corporate and Financial Services at Inglewood Shire Council, CFO at Warwick Credit Union, and CEO of Killarney Memorial Aged Care.

Alex Gudkovs - Director

Alex Gudkovs, MA, BA(Hons) LLB, has practiced as a solicitor in the Southern Downs for over 40 years. Now retired, his practice included local government, corporate law, technology transfer and intellectual property. He retains his lifelong interest in health and education, and continues as chairman of the Total Health and Education Foundation.