Dr. Seu’ula Johannson Fua is the Chair of the Board of Trustees and Director of the USP Institute of Education. She has extensive experience in research, leadership, and education, specializing in qualitative and quantitative research, policy analysis, and strategic planning. Dr. Fua holds degrees from the University of Waikato, a Master’s i and a PhD in Educational Administration from the University of Toronto.

Tony Ryan is an international development consultant with extensive experience working with IFAD, ADB, and MFAT. Over his 35-year career, he has led multi-disciplinary teams across 21 countries, focusing on poverty reduction, food security, and rural development. He founded the Kyrgyzstan-New Zealand Rural Trust and MORDI Tonga Trust, both of which have significantly improved rural livelihoods. With expertise in project design, market access, and sustainable agriculture, Tony is known for his pragmatic approach and ability to drive lasting social and economic change.

Kaho ‘Ofa is the Chief Investment Officer at the Retirement Fund Board, overseeing asset allocation, manager selection, and the Fund’s sustainable growth. He represents RFB on the TDB Board and has extensive experience in finance, policy, and economic research. Kaho holds a Master’s in Applied Finance from Victoria University of Wellington and a Bachelor of Economics and Management from USP. He has also served as an Executive Officer at the Tonga Chamber of Commerce and a Research Officer at the National Reserve Bank of Tonga.

Jennifer Tupou is the Chief Financial Officer at The Fono, delivering quality healthcare across Auckland and Northland. A chartered accountant in Australia and New Zealand, she has held leadership roles at Auckland DHB, Audit New Zealand, and Tonga Power Ltd. She is also the Owner and Managing Director of JK Chartered Accountants. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Auckland.

Dr. Vili A. Fuavao was the first Pacific Islander appointed as Deputy Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific at FAO. He has over 16 years of experience as FAO Sub-regional Coordinator and FAO Representative for the Pacific, as well as serving as FAO Representative for Thailand and Timor-Leste. Previously, he was the founding Director General of SPREP. Dr. Fuavao has extensive expertise in sustainable agriculture, food security, and natural resource management.

Professor Steven Underhill specializes in subtropical and tropical postharvest horticulture, focusing on poverty alleviation and livelihood development. He leads research in the South Pacific, working with smallholder farmers to improve postharvest handling and supply chain systems. He is the Director of the Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research at the University of the Sunshine Coast and holds research positions across the Pacific. In 2010, he received an Australia Day Medal for his contributions to Queensland Primary Industry.