UK
Cheryl Burgess
Chief Executive
Email Cheryl
Cheryl joined SUT in January 2021, bringing over three decades’ experience in the energy industry including oil & gas (both offshore and onshore); renewables; and utilities. She is the former Director General of the Pipeline Industries Guild, and her extensive international expertise from her years with UK Trade & Investment and the Society of British Gas Industries will bring benefit to the SUT’s international Branches and interests. A strong advocate for organisations she has represented, she is also committed to engaging students, graduates, and young professionals in the industries the SUT represents.
Jane Hinton
Membership & Finance Officer
Email Jane
Jane’s role as Membership & Finance Officer covers all matters relating to membership including the upkeep of the main SUT database, collecting subscriptions, welcoming new members, and sending out notices on SUT news and forthcoming events. Jane is also responsible for the day-to-day financial matters of the Society including bookkeeping and credit control.
Emily Boddy
Publications & Communications Officer
Emily is currently on maternity leave
Emily’s main roles as communications & publications officer are the production of all SUT publications (digital and print), including Big Blue World, the Annual Report, and all additional publications and conference proceedings required by the Society. Emily is also responsible for the maintenance & development of the SUT’s website. Emily designs and creates all of SUT’s marketing and membership material. Emily is responsible for communicating with the membership for SUT updates and news as well as managing the SUT’s social media. Emily is also the producer and editor of SUT’s Underwater Technology Podcast.
Clare Parisi
Events & Training Officer
Email Clare
Clare joined the SUT in 2024 as Events & Training Officer. Clare is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing a variety of SUT events and training courses taking place in the UK. This includes conferences, dinners, exhibitions, technical meetings, webinars, pub quizzes, golf days and other social events, online training, and face-to-face training courses.
Katie Fearon
Marketing & Communications Officer
Email Katie
Katie joined the SUT in November 2024 and is responsible for communicating with the membership and SUT followers with updates and news as well as promoting SUT activity and managing the SUT’s social media. Katie will also be supporting the SUT HQ team with some membership services.
Michelle JonesPublications and Web Officer
Michelle joined the SUT in March 2025 as maternity cover. Michelle is responsible for the production of all SUT Publications (digital and print) including Big Blue World, the Annual Report, and any other publications produced by the Society. Michelle will also design and create SUT’s marketing material, as well as maintain and help develop the SUT’s website.
Perth, Australia
Fiona Allan
Perth Office Manager
Email Fiona
Fiona is the Office Manager for the Perth Branch and is responsible for financial matters as well as SUT Memberships. Fiona is also actively involved with the SUT Committee and SUT Australian Scholarships.
Jade Melville
Events & Marketing Manager
Email Jade
Jade joined the SUT Team in December 2021, with over six years of events and marketing experience within corporate organisations. Her role focuses on the administration, coordination, and marketing of Perth events as well as updating the website.
Sylvia Ibrahim
Events & Marketing Manager
Email Sylvia
Sylvia will be joining SUT to cover Jade’s maternity leave. She will focus on the administration, coordination, and marketing of Perth events, as well as updating the website. Sylvia brings over 12 years of experience in event management and holds a bachelor’s degree in business with a major in event management and a minor in marketing and tourism.
Claire Van Poecke
Marketing & Events Assistant
Email Claire
Claire comes from an events and marketing background with 5 years of experience in related fields, 10 years in customer service roles and an Event Management Diploma. Claire’s role at SUT Perth Branch is focused on managing social media platforms, maintaining website updates, compiling email marketing campaigns as well as assisting the Marketing Coordinator in events management both prior to the events and on the day.
Ellaria Ibraheem
Marketing & Events Assistant
Email Ellaria
Ellaria joined the SUT Team in January 2024, armed with a Bachelors degree in Event Management. Stepping into the position of Events & Marketing Assistant, Ellaria’s role consists of the administration, coordination, and marketing of Perth events.
SUT-US
Patsy Rhymes
Event Manager
Email Patsy
Patsy manages the events in Houston for the US Branch, as well as working closely with other team members across various business units in product marketing, social media, PR, campaign management and corporate marketing.
Mariana Diaz
Marketing Editor & Communications
Email Mariana
As the Society approaches its 60th year, it must adapt to a changing ocean economy and evolving communication methods. This 2025–2035 Strategic Framework outlines goals to support members, foster innovation, and enhance knowledge exchange, ensuring the Society continues to serve its community while promoting sustainable ocean use and protection.
