An update from the GSA President: February 2023

It is with much enthusiasm that the GSA Board recently announced the appointment of our new Chief Executive Officer, Sophie Valkan. Sophie began in the role on Wednesday 25 January.

Sophie joins us as a University of Melbourne alumna, with a double degree in law and commerce. Likewise, Sophie has a wealth of experience in the corporate and not-for-profit executive space. A governance and risk expert, her experience includes appointments in nationally renowned not-for-profits in health and education.

Furthermore, Sophie is a regular mentor of University of Melbourne Juris Doctor students and has been actively connected with our graduate student community for over a decade.

Similarly, Sophie has a wide variety and depth of board governance experience, which will enable her to provide sound advice to the GSA board and achieve the GSA’s strategic aims.

Sophie is committed to advancing the graduate student experience through the GSA and looks forward to working within the University community to achieve these outcomes.

The GSA board, and members would like to thank Jeremy Waite, for his unwavering and outstanding leadership as the GSA Interim CEO. Jeremy has provided an invaluable service to graduate students, especially as President and Interim CEO.

Please join me in giving Sophie a very warm welcome to the organisation in this exciting new chapter for GSA.

If you are interested in getting involved with the GSA, or need any support, feel free to reach out to me at president@gsa.unimelb.edu.au

Jesse,

President GSA