Meet the new Head of Development and Community Relations

After completing his entire schooling at St Andrew’s from Years 1 to 13, with his final year as Head Boy, Tomo Yee (OC 2008) is delighted to be returning to the College in the newly created position of Head of Development and Community Relations.

“It’s exciting to be taking up this role at a place which has already given me so much, and helped to build the foundations of who I am as a person today,” shares the proud Old Collegian.

The Head of Development and Community Relations role has been created to meet the changing needs of the Alumni and Development office.

A key aspect of the new role is ‘friend-raising’ – developing and nurturing strong and positive relationships and networks across the College community, and creating initiatives which build engagement and connectedness. As the new Head, Tomo will also build on the proud culture of philanthropy which is a hallmark of St Andrew’s, managing sponsorship and yearly fundraising initiatives alongside the Rector and Executive Team.

“Relationship building is at the heart of everything,” Tomo explains. “To begin with, I’ll reach out to everyone from students, staff, Old Collegians, parents, and supporters, to the College’s various sponsors, and do a lot of listening, learning and taking on feedback.”

Tomo brings strong skills and fresh energy to the position. For nearly twelve years, he’s worked in strategic marketing and brand management as a Senior Account Director with creative agency Choir (formerly Novo), where he’s worked alongside major organisations including the All Blacks, Metlifecare, Selwyn District Council, Lincoln University and Craigmore Sustainables. His background in managing relationships and strategy, alongside a double degree with first-class honours in marketing and accounting, means he’s well-equipped to take St Andrew’s development and community relations to the next level.

As a member of the Old Collegians Executive since early this year, Tomo has already been reconnected with alumni, and is looking forward to providing oversight and support for Alumni Manager, Lisa Clark, who works directly with the Old Collegians community from the office.

Outside work, Tomo enjoys keeping fit through his passion for basketball, regularly playing in social teams alongside several fellow Old Collegians. He is also a registered marriage celebrant and has officiated at a number of weddings for his school friends.

Tomo has strong family ties to St Andrew’s. His younger sisters, Monica (OC 2012) and Olivia (OC 2014), along with several cousins, all completed their schooling at the College. His aunty also previously worked as a manager at the cafeteria.

Tomo will start his new role at the beginning of September, and expects it to be like “coming home.”

“I’m sure it will feel a bit like my first day of school all over again, except this time there’ll be familiar faces and places. I’m excited to have this opportunity and am ready to give it my all.”