Queensland Writers Centre appoints new CEO

Lori-Jay Ellis has been appointed the new chief executive officer of Queensland Writers Centre (QWC), effective from 16 April.

Ellis will replace outgoing CEO, Katie Woods, who joined QWC in the role in 2015 from the State Library of Queensland.

Ellis began her career as a film producer and writer in Brisbane. She is a published writer of speculative fiction and member of the Australian Society of Authors, Romance Writers of Australia and Romance Writers of New Zealand. Most recently, she was the managing director of New Zealand social media and marketing agency SocialAble.

QWC said it conducted an ‘extensive national search’ to identify the right candidate to lead the organisation through ‘a growth phase’.

‘Lori-Jay has a demonstrated track record of delivering sustainable financial performance and strong brand awareness,’ said QWC chair Leanne Dodd. ‘We are delighted to have the benefit of her varied experience in arts, government and corporate environments both here and internationally, and are confident that her strong values and experience will assist us to engage with our expanding markets and ensure QWC’s continued success in serving the needs of writers now and into the future.’

Dodd also thanked outgoing CEO Woods for her tenure. ‘The management committee would like to gratefully thank Katie for her time at the helm of QWC and wish her all the best for the future.’

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