Writers Victoria has a hard-working voluntary Board of Directors which oversees the strategic and administrative operations of the organisation.
Alex Hammond (Chair)
Emma Stapleton
With more than 10 years’ experience leading teams in retail contact centers, Emma Stapleton has honed her skills in leadership, communications, and strategy, through both digital and people transformations. She is currently Head of Customer Support at MECCA Brands and is passionate about helping her team to thrive, and delivering innovation through world-first customer experiences.
Emma has personal experience with both ADHD and a chronic autoimmune condition, and brings this unique perspective to her roles and her creative writing. In 2023 she attended summer school at Oxford, studying Global Business Management & Finance, graduating Valedictorian of her class. She credits the resources and support of Writers Victoria, in particular the Live Write sessions, with reigniting her love of writing and is currently working on her first novel.
Joe McFadries
Joe has 30 years’ experience as an executive director in global multinational organisations and has lived and worked in various countries across the Asia Pacific region. Supporting his strategic and financial capabilities, Joe has a science degree, an MBA, a Master of Applied Finance and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
More recently he owned and operated a small publishing business, which he divested in 2023 and is currently a board member at Highett Community Financial Services, a franchisee of Bendigo Bank. Having reignited his love of creative writing, Joe is currently working on his first book.
Kylie Moppert (Treasurer)
Kylie Moppert has over 25 years’ accounting experience. She has held various senior roles in large corporations including Systems Accountant, Finance Manager, Financial Controller and Chief Financial Officer as well as for 14 years running her own accounting consultancy. She holds a Masters of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and a Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting. In 2015 she opened a micro artisan bakery which she ran for six years before selling it to focus on writing. Her first short story was published by the Lake Macquarie Branch of the Fellowship of Australian Writers in the anthology ‘Out of the Shadows’ in 2023.
Louise Falconer (Secretary)
Louise Falconer is a writer and senior leader within the not-for-profit sector, where she heads an evaluation and impact team for a national social justice organisation. Louise has vast experience navigating political environments and in building relations with government. Her achievements include influencing government and other partners through advocacy and attracting new funding to vital programs. With years of board-level and executive experience, Louise has a strong understanding of governance, budget and risk management, strategic planning and a demonstrated commitment to inclusive leadership. A long-time member, Louise holds a deep appreciation for the support the organisation provides the writing community. She credits Writers Victoria with giving her the skills and boost to pursue writing through its Writeability program, after which she published several pieces and was awarded a Varuna Residential Fellowship. Louise will soon complete a PhD in Creative Writing. She holds a Bachelor of Arts/ Law and a Master of Laws.
Paul Sutherland (Acting Deputy Chair)
Paul is a former journalist and political media adviser and now advises professional services firms on their media strategies. He has more than 10 years’ experience in media and public relations in Australia and overseas. Paul has a Bachelor of Journalism from Queensland University of Technology, a Graduate Diploma in Crisis Communications from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations in London and is studying RMIT’s Associate Degree in Professional Writing and Editing.
