The Stella Prize has announced the appointment of their new Executive Director, and it’s JdM’s very own Michelle Scott Tucker (author of the historic biography, ‘Elizabeth Macarthur: A Life at the Edge of the World’ from Text Publishing!)

From the Stella Prize press release;

Michelle comes to Stella as a writer, having just published her first book – a biography of Elizabeth Macarthur – and with a successful career in government and business behind her. Most recently, Michelle has been executive director of a management consulting company. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has completed a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts (English and History). Passionate about Australian women’s literature and storytelling, Michelle is also a member of the Writers Victoria committee of management.

Chair of the Stella Prize, Seri Renkin, says: “I am confident that in Michelle we have found the right person to build on the strong foundations established by Stella’s founders, and in particular the incredible work of Aviva Tuffield, our founding executive director. We are at an exciting phase as a cultural change organisation and I am very proud of the vital role Stella continues to play in promoting and nurturing Australian women’s writing.”

Michelle, who will commence in the role in early August, says: “In a very short time, Stella has made an important impact on the Australian literary landscape. I feel excited – and privileged – to be selected to lead a team whose work remains so relevant and necessary.”