The Hutchins School is a K-12 independent school in Hobart, Tasmania, and John Groom was approached in late 2017 to return to his alma mater in the capacity of Director of Advancement and Alumni Engagement. Groom has a professional services and corporate background and had previously served on the school council, and was well known throughout the school’s community, including as a member of The Hutchins Foundation.

Following an external review in 2019, the school’s foundation board recommended to its members that it be wound up. That recommendation was unanimously carried at a special meeting of members and The Hutchins Foundation formally ceased to exist in early 2020. Groom oversaw an extensive consultation process that led to this outcome.

While Groom is extremely dedicated to his work, he is also a husband, father to three busy children, an occasional golfer, and adventurous traveller.