ACTW Board Nominees
2021 Annual General Meeting
ACT Writers would like to welcome five nominees applying for board vacancies. These board nominations will be voted on by members at the upcoming online AGM: 6pm Thursday 22 April
Thank you to those who have submitted nominations, and expressed their willingness to contribute to our dynamic and creative not-for-profit organisation. ACTW members will be asked to vote for the 4 Board Director positions that will be declared vacant at the AGM. Voting will occur online. Click here for full details.
L-R: Chris Huet, Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern, Jen Seyderhelm, Sophie Mannix, Thao Le
Chris Huet – ACTW Board Nominee
Chris is a communications coach, working through his company Understood to help people become better communicators. He served twenty years in the Air Force as a fighter instructor, leader and project manager. After leaving the Air Force, Chris worked as a consultant and business development manager for Defence, other government agencies and private companies. Chris is also a spoken word poet, performing as CJ Bowerbird on stages across Australia and around the world. He is the 2012 Australian Poetry Slam Champion and a two-time TEDx speaker. Chris has experience working with not-for-profit boards and committees, particularly in partnership and sponsorship management.
Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern – ACTW Board Nominee
Jacqueline is an international award-winning author, creative coach and the recipient of the 2017 ACT Writers Centre Anne Edgeworth Fellowship. Her books have been recognised for several awards, including winning the travel category of the 2020 American Book Excellence Awards and being shortlisted for the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards in 2017 and 2019. Jacqueline regularly contributes to a variety of online platforms and has appeared at several literary events, including the Canberra Writers Festival, the NSW Kids &YA Festival, the Goulburn Reader Writer Festival and the Noted Writers Festival. She is the founder of the Story Creators Community, assisting aspiring creatives, and has been a mentor to adults and children alike, encouraging them to pursue their creative goals. She holds a Masters in International Development and works in international affairs. Through her writing, Jacqueline endeavours to encourage her readers to learn more about the world, supporting an empathetic and inclusive community.
Jen Seyderhelm– ACTW Board Nominee
Jen started professionally in radio more than 20 years ago as an Announcer and later producer, journalist, news reader and sports commentator. She is currently one half of the Classic Breakfast Show on 2CA. Her podcasts include The RISE Canberra Podcast, 20/40 and The Countdown of the Greatest No 1 Hits of All Time in Australia. With a Bachelor of Arts from Macquarie University, a Certificate IV in Music Industry Skills, Counselling Diploma, Training and Assessment Certificate IV and WWVP Cards for NSW and the ACT, Jen has trained students and teachers of CIT Solutions, Perform Australia, The ACT Writers Centre, Southern Region Business Enterprise Council as well as local and Federal Government clients. Jen is a music historian, event manager (assisting with the inaugural gig at the Belconnen Arts Centre) and writer. Her greatest pleasures include coffee, op shopping and story gathering and telling.
Sophie Mannix – Renominating as Chair
Sophie is a writing and publishing industry professional who currently works at Text Publishing. For over five years, she worked at ACT Writers in a variety of positions. Sophie brings her extensive operational knowledge of the Centre and deep connection with the Canberra writing scene, alongside a background in marketing, administration and programming. She has also worked as the Store Manager at Harry Hartog Woden and as Communications Coordinator for Noted Writers Festival.
Thao Le – Renominating board member
Thao is an experienced senior executive having held positions including Chief Financial Officer and Chief Information Officer. She has lead finance, digital solutions, and corporate services including managing the risk and audit functions of organisations. She has a broad range of experience in different industries and sectors, with commercial and private enterprises and Commonwealth and State Government. She has extensive experience shaping and leading business transformations, change management, and delivering key outputs. Thao is a collaborative leader who is known for bringing teams on the journey and empowering staff in the workforce. Thao also has a keen interest in mentoring and developing staff in their career aspirations. She consistently seeks out opportunities utilising her skillsets, experiences and time to contribute to society and the community in different ways.
You can reach ACT Writers by email, phone or on social media. Operation hours are Thursday-Friday from 10am to 4pm. For comment, please contact communications@actwriters.org
ACT Writers is situated on Ngunnawal Country. We pay tribute to the unique role that First Nation communities have played – and continue to play – in the life of what is also known as the Australian Capital Territory. We acknowledge all elders, past, present and emerging, and honour those who continue to share their wisdom and learning.
