Taryn brings a wealth of leadership experience from the not-for-profit and health sectors, including 15 years with Diabetes Australia. During her time there, she served as Chief Operating Officer at Diabetes Queensland and later as Chief Strategy Officer for the national peak body.
Her achievements include leading the $25 million National Diabetes in Schools program, which trained 35,000 school staff across Australia, and designing KeepSight – Australia’s first diabetes eye screening program, delivered in partnership with government and the eye health sector.
Taryn has also been a powerful advocate for health policy reform, helping secure more than $300 million in government funding to subsidise diabetes technology for people living with type 1 diabetes. She played a key role in last year’s federal Parliamentary Inquiry into Diabetes, with many of her team’s recommendations adopted into the national committee’s final report.
Beyond her achievements at Diabetes Australia, Taryn has held senior advisor roles with Health Ministers in both Queensland and Victoria, driving major health reforms and innovations in chronic disease prevention.
“I am incredibly excited to join Life Ed Queensland and work alongside such an innovative and passionate team.
For nearly four decades, Life Ed Queensland has made a real difference in the lives of children, and I’m proud to continue that important work.
I’m energised by the challenge of expanding our social impact through program innovation and growing our reach, so that even more children across Queensland have the opportunity to thrive.”
Board Chair Jack Ray said the Board was thrilled to appoint such a passionate and experienced leader to guide Life Ed Queensland’s future:
“Taryn is an outstanding leader who brings a deep understanding of the challenges facing young people today. She has extensive experience in government and stakeholder engagement, a strong history of managing multi-sector partnerships, and a passion for preventative health. The Board is excited to work with Taryn to build on Life Ed Queensland’s proud legacy and drive even greater impact for Queensland children.”
As we welcome Taryn, we also celebrate the incredible contribution of outgoing CEO Michael Fawsitt, who will retire on 8 May after 19 years of service. Michael’s leadership has seen Life Ed Queensland grow from a small team into a vibrant, far-reaching organisation, transforming the lives of tens of thousands of Queensland children through education around health, wellbeing and respectful relationships.
We are delighted that Michael will continue to support Life Ed Queensland as a Board member.
Please join us in warmly welcoming Taryn Black to the Life Ed Queensland family and thanking Michael Fawsitt for his extraordinary leadership and dedication.
