Dr Michael Vertigan AC has held the position of Chancellor of the University of Tasmania since October 1998.

Originally from Devonport, he holds an honours degree in economics from the University of Tasmania and a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley.

Between 1993 and 1998 he was Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance in Victoria and before that was the Secretary, Department of Premier and Cabinet, and Secretary, Department of Treasury and Finance, for Tasmania.

Prior to joining the public service, Dr Vertigan pursued an academic career in the US, Canada and Western Australia. He was also extensively involved in business consulting and in management development programs in Canada and South-East Asia.

His current business interests are in finance and investment and in energy and utilities. He is Chairman of Tasmanian Perpetual Trustees Limited, Chair of the Agest Superannuation Fund, a Director of ASX Supervisory Review Pty Ltd, a Director of Eraring Energy and Deputy Chair of the Power and Water Corporation of the Northern Territory.

His academic and business achievements have been recognised through a number of prestigious awards.

He was made a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2004 and awarded a Centenary of Federation Medal in 2001.

He is a Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration of Australia and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Dr Vertigan was awarded the Australian Institute of Company Directors' Tasmanian Division Gold Medal as Director of the Year in 2000.

His interests include public policy, world sport and travel.

Michael is married to Diana and they have one daughter, Susan.