The team making a difference
The team at the Clifford Craig Foundation are a dedicated group. We all take great pride in “making a difference” to fulfil the organisation’s mission to fund local medical research and education, provide support for hospital facilities, and ultimately, improve the health outcomes for the people of our region.
We strive to continually develop and strengthen our activities by working closely with our clinicians, donors, volunteers and the community to develop a culture of philanthropy. You will find our team on Level 5 at Launceston General Hospital. This includes our research nurses, who oversee the studies supported by the Foundation. In short, medical research projects wouldn’t happen without them.
Vanessa Cahoon
Chief Executive Officer
E: vcahoon@cliffordcraig.org.au
Vanessa joined the Foundation as CEO in March 2024, following the retirement of Peter Milne.
Calling Launceston home for most of her life, Vanessa is a driven and accomplished leader with significant experience in public relations, communications and project management.
This includes Executive Officer for Cityprom, Marketing and Fundraising Manager at Launceston City Mission, and an Adviser to the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
Most recently she served as Program Manager for the Launceston City Deal, with the Office of the Coordinator-General.
Vanessa becomes only the fifth CEO to lead the foundation in its 30-year history, and only the second woman.
“As the newly appointed CEO, I am deeply honoured and enthusiastic about guiding the organisation into an exciting new chapter characterised by innovation, collaboration, community engagement and impactful philanthropy,” she said.
Sally Hutchins
Business Manager
E: shutchins@cliffordcraig.org.au
Sally joined the Clifford Craig team in 2011. Originally from Victoria, she moved to Tasmania in 2006.
With previous experience in marketing, through her role as Executive Assistant Sally helps coordinate the Clifford Craig Foundation’s finances, research projects and administration. Most importantly, she provides a vital link between the Foundation and Tasmanian researchers with innovative projects they want to get off the ground.
Sally was drawn to the Foundation because of its history – as something created by the community, for the community.
“I like that every day in this job is different, and that I can come to work knowing we are making a difference,” she said. “What we are trying to achieve at the Foundation, through research and the impact that has on people’s health – it’s a real privilege to be a part of that.”
Sally is kept busy as the mum of two young boys. She also loves gardening and entertaining pets - Jasper the miniature schnauzer and Washington the British shorthair.
Rebecca Welsh
Events & Community Relations Manager
E: rwelsh@cliffordcraig.org.au
With a passion for giving back to her local community, Beck has been at the centre of every major event organised by the Clifford Craig Foundation for the past decade.
Born and raised in Launceston, her professional life began as a Tasmanian Tourism Consultant. After the birth of her son she branched into a role attracting major events to the region with the City of Launceston Council - a position she held for 10 years.
Beck has been with the Clifford Craig Foundation since 2010. Through her role as Events Coordinator she’s helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars in support of the Foundation’s work. Annual Clifford Craig events with Beck at the fore include the annual Gala Charity Ball, International Women’s Day Luncheon and Run & Walk for your Heart.
When she’s not at work, you will most likely find Beck spending time with her two beautiful children, cooking up a storm, indulging in some local produce or drinking a great coffee.
Freya Griffin
Communications & Fundraising Manager
E: fgriffin@cliffordcraig.org.au
Often regarded as the team’s wordsmith, Freya is the person behind Clifford Craig’s medical research advocacy, community health promotion and events advertising.
Freya joined Clifford Craig in 2024, and is qualified with an MBA and Bachelor of Communication (Business).
Freya has worked for a number of sectors including in-home aged care, higher education, tourism, retail and financial services.
“Advocating for better health outcomes in the local community is very rewarding work. Seeing people connect and committing to a higher standard of healthcare access for Northern Tasmanians is vital. I’m humbled to be part of this talented team,” she said.
Freya enjoys overseas travel with her family, beach days and being a mother.
Kate Clark
Data & Accounts Administrator
E: kclark@cliffordcraig.org.au
If you’ve ever met Kate, chances are she had a big smile on her face. Having grown up in Launceston, Kate joined the Clifford Craig team in 2018 after an unexpected health scare prompted her to reassess some aspects of her life.
She brings to her role as Administrative Assistant decades of experience in the private business sector, including accounting and bookkeeping.
While working in the health sector was not something Kate had ever envisioned, she has welcomed the challenge wholeheartedly.
“I work with an amazing small team who inspire, encourage and support not only their fellow work colleagues, but the Clifford Craig Foundation,” she said. “It’s an honest not-for-profit that’s vested in supporting and encouraging medical research for Northern Tasmania.
“I am grateful for many opportunities to either meet or speak with donors, event organisers, sponsors, supporters and extraordinary medical researchers, clinicians, doctors, nurses, cleaners and Launceston General Hospital administrative staff.”
When she’s not at work Kate loves walking, listening to music, coffee dates with girlfriends, visiting markets and wineries and hanging with her “eccentric” pets. This includes Fabian the cat.
Faith Chapman
Administration Assistant
Faith joined the Clifford Craig team in 2023 and has quickly become the ‘face of Clifford Craig’ as the first point of contact for visitors to our office on level 5 of the Launceston General Hospital.
Faith has lived in Launceston her whole life, attending Launceston Christian School and Launceston College.
She has recently finished studying a Certificate IV in Business.
Through her role with the Foundation, Faith assists the office admin team, along with our research participants and supporters.
“I love being a part of a team that is eager to work hard to support the hospital in making medical advances,” Faith said.
When she is not at work, Faith can usually be found spending time with her family.
She also loves trying new restaurants and bars with friends, or taking a road trip to the beach.
She has two Ragdoll cats names Stella and Luna.
Nigel Tapp
Community Relations Lead - North West
Nigel Tapp brings energy, warmth and a deep commitment to community connection in his work with the Clifford Craig Health Foundation. Raised in Ulverstone and shaped by a career working across Tasmania and mainland Australia, Nigel combines extensive communications expertise with a genuine passion for place‑based impact on the North West Coast.
With decades of experience spanning not‑for‑profit, government and corporate sectors, Nigel is widely respected for his ability to build strong relationships and translate complex issues into clear, engaging communication. He has advised Federal and State politicians, CEOs, mayors and senior leaders, led diverse communications teams, and worked closely with communities to ensure their voices were heard and respected.
A consistent theme throughout Nigel’s career has been meaningful engagement. From leading communications, helping guide the communities through challenging and uncertain times, to strengthening member and stakeholder connections, Nigel has demonstrated a values‑driven, people‑first approach. He is known for listening carefully, collaborating openly and creating communication that builds trust and understanding.
Nigel is particularly passionate about supporting communities close to home. His local knowledge, strong networks and authentic style enable him to connect easily with individuals, community groups and partner organisations across the North West Coast.
As Nigel says:
“I am thrilled to join Clifford Craig Health Foundation to establish a highly impactful presence on the North West Coast. Growing up in Ulverstone and having worked across Australia, there truly isn't any place like home and this very connected charity work is something I'm proud to support.”
Nigel’s experience, enthusiasm and deep community roots make him a valuable part of the Clifford Craig Health Foundation team and a strong advocate for positive, lasting change.
Dr Sarah Young
Research Fellow
As part of a joint position with the University of Tasmania and the Clifford Craig Foundation, Dr Sarah Young provides research support to the Launceston General Hospital staff.
She also assists staff with grant applications and designs and delivers research training to medical staff with an interest in research, or those who need to complete research as part of their training.
Sarah is originally from Vancouver, BC, Canada, but has lived in Australia since 2009.
She has a BSc (Hons) in Biology (2004) and MSc in Environmental Science (2007) both from the University of British Columbia, and later completed a PhD at UTAS (2020) in Public Health.
Sarah came to Launceston in 2013 with her family and says she fell in love with the climate and the lifestyle.
“Tasmania is an amazing place to live– I call it the ‘golden handcuffs’ because once you’re here, it’s just too good to ever leave!”
When she is not at work she enjoys camping, hiking, surfing and fishing with her family.
“I also enjoy running and spend most of my free weekends running or hiking one of Tassie’s many beautiful mountain ranges.”