Well-known industry identity and PIAA Board member Kellie Northwood has made the decision to not reapply for the Board in the upcoming elections, in a move that will likely shake up nominations.
Northwood today confirmed her intention to not nominate for the PIAA Board in the impending ballet, leaving space for a fresh candidate to take up her vacant Victoria position.
Nominations for the PIAA Board close today, and Northwood’s last minute decision leaves little time for interested parties to secure their place on the ballet paper.
ProPrint contacted Northwood for comment on her decision however she was unavailable at the time.
PIAA president Kieran May tells ProPrint Northwood’s work at the PIAA was widely praised, and her departure will likely spark candidate interest from the Victorian print community.
“There are likely to be a number of members who have chosen to stay on the sidelines to allow Kellie to continue her thoughtful and decisive work within the Board. With her announcement, they may wish to put up their hand,” says May.
“I have tried as far as possible to stay out of the lead up process, but Kellie’s late decision brings a different perspective. Her decision is well considered, but is none the less a blow.”
“I would like to acknowledge Kellie’s contribution this year and express my thanks for the clarity she brought to the Board. Kellie will of course not be lost to the industry. She will continue in her other roles,” he adds.
[Related: AEC to run PIAA election]
Northwood’s schedule without Board responsibilities remains jam-packed with her role as executive director of Two Sides Australia and chief executive of the Australasian Catalogue Association (ACA).
Her short time as a PIAA Board member commenced as a period of chaos at the association drew to a close.
Emerging as a new Board member following a wave of abrupt association resignations, Northwood began her tenure at the end of March joining fellow members Matt Aitken, John Scott and Walter Kuhn.
May invites any interested Victorian PIAA members to put up their hand, and nomination forms can be obtained through email: km@accrossbusiness.com.au.
“I’m sure there are members with energy and the necessary strategic vision, who have remained on the sidelines given Kellie’s involvement. I simply ask them to offer the Victorian members a choice. With nominations closing at 4.00pm today, I appreciate time is an issue," says May.
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