Principal

Mr Alex Mckenzie

B.PPE (ANU), MAICD, G.CRT Behavioural Economics (QUT)

Alex is a behavioural economist, previously working as an advisor with the Behavioural Economics Team of the Australian Government (BETA) in the Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet. Prior to this he worked as a Senior Consultant for KPMG in the areas of leadership development, organisational change and strategy.

Alex is an alumnus of the College, having resided at Burgmann from 2016 to 2018 where he was a Residential Advisor and the equivalent of our Gender and Sexuality Education Advocate (Men's); he was also a member of Burgmann Council and Board of Management. Alex also has experience working in the Department of Treasury as an Analyst for the Foreign Investment Division. Alex was appointed Deputy Principal in 2023 and the role of Principal in January 2024.

Alex completed his Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics in 2018 at the ANU and subsequently completed a Graduate Certificate Behavioural Economics from QUT. He is presently undertaking his Masters of Evaluation at The University of Melbourne.

Alex serves as a Board member for Friends of Rang'i, a not-for-profit which aims to improve the lives of members of the village of Rang’i in Western Kenya. The charity is dedicated to education and empowerment of all vulnerable people, helping to break the cycle of poverty.

Alex lives in the Village, providing support to the Burgmann resident community.

Deputy Principal

Ms Taryn Ahsing

BPH (UND), GCRT Counselling (ECU)

Taryn has built her career in community development, health promotion, and student wellbeing. She is committed to creating a safe, respectful and supportive environment where all students are given the opportunity to thrive.

Taryn began at Burgmann as Dean and was recently appointed the Deputy Principal. She lives onsite with her partner Mat in The Village and is honoured to walk alongside students at Burgmann College.