Jesse O'Hara
CYC Committee Chair
Growing up in Hobart and living abroad for a period of time in North America and Asia, I have called Cairns home since 2008. I graduated from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Education and Master of Business Administration and have spent the last few years building positive outcomes for our local community by facilitating quality and jobs focused vocational education with TAFE Queensland.
My journey with CYC started in 2016 as a member of the regions flagship Emerging Leaders program, sparking a personal and professional development journey which still holds true today. My motivation to lead the CYC through the next chapter is a tribute to the benefits, support and inspiration I received for my participation with the organisation as a new graduate and pay it forward. Providing Cairns’ next generation of business leaders with professional development, leadership, networking and advocacy opportunities is a valuable service in contributing to our region’s future.
Outside of my role with CYC and TAFE Queensland, I am passionate about community sports serving as President of Cairns Water Polo and a budding open water marathon swimmer. I have recently started a family and love spending quality time with my wife Julia and daughter Matilda, enjoying the wonderful FNQ lifestyle.
