Mark is originally from Norwich and a Father of four and Grandfather of three. He brings invaluable and extensive experience to the TUSU Board from a career of over 30 years that has included two periods working for the National Union of Students (NUS) and the leadership of four different students' unions as General Manager/ Chief Executive including University of Bradford Union, Nottingham Trent Students' Union, the University of East London and University College London Union. He has also worked as Office Manager for two MPs and had key development roles with London Metropolitan University and Birbeck College (University of London).
He is a fellow of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA), a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and a licensed Football Association Coach and qualified Referee. In his limited spare time, he enjoys walking in the countryside, football coaching, scouting and refereeing, participating in a range of sport and supporting organisations such as the Youth Hostel Association, English Heritage, Art Fund and more.
"It's a great pleasure to be invited to join the Board here at TUSU having seen the excellent progress of the organisation and the vital role it plays in the student experience at Teesside over the past two decades. I'm hoping my wide ranging experience of and passion for the students' union movement can help the Elected Officers and staff to realise their ambitious plans for the next few years. I know from my first hand experience, what a transformative effect that a great students' union can have on the lives of students from all kinds of backgrounds. I'm looking forward to playing a small part in helping TUSU to respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by an ever more diverse student body."
Chris is originally from Hertfordshire and went to university in York. He worked as a civil servant in London before retraining as a solicitor. He moved to the North East in 2011 and currently lives in Whitley Bay. His professional practice focuses on the charity, education and sports sectors, and for several years he worked as an in-house lawyer at Northumbria University. Over the years he has held several trusteeships for both large and small regional charities and he currently serves as governor of a first school in North Tyneside.
“I have a professional and personal interest in charities and education so I was excited to take up the opportunity to join the board of Teesside University Students’ Union. I hope my experience – from private practice, my experience working within higher education as well as my volunteering roles elsewhere, will be of value and can help TUSU to ensure that students get the most out of their time at university.”
Sue was born in Middlesbrough and was one of Chris Rea’s ‘Stainsby Girls’. She also studied at Teesside Polytechnic. Sue has worked throughout the UK and South Africa and currently lives back in Teesside. Her interests include golf, travel, theatre and singing in a Community Choir.
Sue has 25 years’ experience in a Banking environment, working through to regional sales management roles in Corporate/Business Banking and global senior change management roles. Since moving into consultancy 15 years ago, Sue has worked with companies in the UK and overseas, coaching executive leaders, sales managers and individuals to grow and perform to their maximum potential.
Sue’s passion for learning and helping others is reflected in her previous roles as Governor on the Board of Teesside University for 12 years and School Governor. She also supports the local area fulfilling her role as a Magistrate and Mentor Lead for new Magistrates in Cleveland, County Durham & Darlington.
"I have a long association with Teesside University as a student and Board Member and have seen first-hand the transformation in Campus facilities and commitment to delivering an outstanding student and learning experience.
I am delighted to join the TUSU Board as a Trustee and looking forward to working with the Students’ Union and helping bright, talented people, from whatever backgrounds to fulfil their potential. I would also hope that my skills, experience and passion for personal growth can give some insights, advice and guidance."
Charlotte is originally from Middlesbrough and currently lives here. She studied mathematics at Lancaster University before spending time living in Toronto and London. She then returned to Teesside in 2020. She has worked in the volunteer team at Anthony Nolan for six years, most recently in the role of University Volunteers Senior Manager, where she leads on their Marrow Volunteer Programme.
“I’m very excited to join the Board of Trustees at TUSU and very much hope my experience working with students from all around the UK can bring something valuable and unique to the table. I’m keen to meet more Teesside University students and provide the Elected Officers, student reps, and staff with all of the support I can to ensure TUSU keeps contributing as much as it can to an excellent student experience.
I’m particularly enthusiastic to see more individuals accessing the wide range of support and services provided, and I look forward to developing my knowledge about the diverse student body we serve. I’m also passionate about helping further increase the number of students who engage in volunteering opportunities and, as a result, improve their employability.”
Mairead is originally from Widnes and is now based in Guisborough. She studied economics at the University of Liverpool and is a chartered accountant (FCA) with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). She worked as a chartered accountant and financial auditor before moving in to senior finance roles with a diverse range of businesses and industries. She is currently Financial Controller of Darlington Building Society and returned to higher education by studying a master’s degree here at Teesside University which she completed in 2023.
“I was looking for a local volunteer opportunity to utilise my skills and experience as fully as possible and this trustee opportunity was ideal. I hope to draw on my range of expertise in financial management and governance to further strengthen the board and, working with my fellow Trustees and staff at the organisation, help TUSU to continue thrive. I am passionate about helping ensure the organisation continues to serve an ever more diverse student community as effectively as possible in the years to come.”
Alexander is originally from the West Midlands and also lived in London and Leeds before settling in Teesside where he is now based. He completed his degree in Ancient, Medieval and Modern History and Masters in Medieval History at Durham University before graduating in 2013. He has since worked for the likes of NHS England, Barnardo’s, the Natural History Museum and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, leading strategic communications and political campaign functions that secured a number of significant policy changes across social justice, health, culture, and education issues.
He gained further experience relevant to this role working as Political Affairs Manager for the National Union of Students (NUS) at the time of the landmark Higher Education and Research Act where he led and coordinated campaigns to ensure better student representation in the higher education system and advised NUS’s elected student leaders of the time on how to secure significant improvements for students.
He is currently Deputy Head of External Affairs at the Department for Business and Trade, based in the Darlington Economic Campus, where he continues to champion issues that touch the lives of people across the country including workers’ rights where he works closely with business, unions, and the wider civil society to deliver meaningful change. His toddler currently fills much of his spare time but he also enjoys playing guitar, watching football, playing chess, and reading cozy crime novels when he can.
“The North East is a very important place for me personally having studied in the area and lived much of my recent life here. I’m also extremely passionate about the student movement and the opportunity it gives to unite and empower students from all backgrounds. This role was therefore an ideal opportunity to combine two of my big interests with my professional experience and give something back to the community around me. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to join the Board of Trustees at TUSU and play my part in helping the elected officers and whole student body to achieve their ambitions, reach their potential and make a difference.”
