Media Release: Helen McHugh elected ACS President 2024 - 25
ACS, the professional association for Australia’s technology sector, is pleased to announce Helen McHugh, MACS (Snr), has been elected President for 2024-25.
Helen McHugh will be the second female President of ACS after Brenda Aynsley, OAM, who led the organisation between 2014 and 15.
Ms McHugh, the current NSW Branch Chair, was elected in a vote held by the ACS National Congress this morning to succeed Dr Nick Tate, FACS, who is stepping down as required by the ACS National Rules and Regulations.
“It’s a great privilege to be elected President of ACS,” said Ms McHugh. “As the peak body for Australia’s IT profession, ACS represents both the heritage and the future of the nation’s technology sector.
“On a personal level, being elected President is a great honour given my father worked with Trevor Pearcey, one of the great pioneers of Australian computing. I’m hoping we can build on those foundations to grow ACS’ member base.
“I’m also focused on how we can deliver more value for members for the sector and boost ACS’ engagement with other groups and associations to amplify the technology sector’s positions.”
Outgoing President Dr Nick Tate, FACS, said “it’s a great pleasure to hand the reins over to Helen. It has been a privilege to represent ACS during a period where we came out of COVID stronger than ever with a strong member base.”
ACS Chief Executive Officer, Chris Vein, added “I look forward to working with Helen over the next two years as we look to transform the organisation to build its relevance to members and the wider technology community.”
In the elections held this morning four other positions were contested with the following members elected to roles on the National Management Committee.
· Jeff Smith (Victoria) – Vice President (Membership Boards)
· Roger Clarke (Canberra Branch) – National Congressional Representative
· Tapan Dave (South Australian Branch) – National Congressional Representative
· Rod Dilnutt (Victorian Branch) -- National Congressional Representative
Ms McHugh and the newly elected Management Committee members will formally take their positions from 1 January, 2024.
-ENDS-
Director of Corporate Affairs and Public Policy
About ACS
ACS is the voice of Australia’s technology sector, representing over 47,000 technology professionals across all industries and across the nation.
Our members work in industry, education, government, and the community delivering the digital services that drive the nation and provide the high-skilled jobs of today and tomorrow.
ACS works to grow the technology sector while making sure IT professionals act ethically, responsibly, and in keeping with the best interests of not only their employers, but the wider community.
Through our network of branches in every state and Territory, our innovation labs, education programs and our history of over fifty years, ACS works to help all Australians be part of the nation’s highest growth sector. Visit www.acs.org.au for more information.