We are pleased to announce that Dr Catherine Macdonald AE has been appointed Chair of the Board following the 2025 AGM on Monday 10 November.
Catherine has been on the Editors Western Australia committee since 2018, initially as branch newsletter editor, then as the delegate to the Accreditation Board. For the past 5 years, Catherine has been the WA Director on the IPEd Board.
Catherine replaces Stephanie Holt AE, who was appointed to the role of Chair in November 2023.
“In my role as Chair of the IPEd Board, I’m hoping to follow the theme of the 2025 IPEd conference, ‘editors as changemakers’, and help bring about some long-needed changes to IPEd in its tenth year,” Catherine said.
“I would love to see a far more integrated organisation,with the centre primarily responsible for administration and finances and the branches freed up to focus on the fun aspects of membership: networking, socialising, hosting interesting non-core events and advocating for the profession with local bodies.
“As the first IPEd Board Chair from WA, I’m acutely aware of how important it is that our branches (and their histories) are recognised, while also nurturing a stronger sense of belonging across IPEd. If we can cultivate lively local activities and make branch committee participation feel rewarding, I’m confident we’ll attract more members and support IPEd’s long-term future.
“My other aim is to help build IPEd’s longer-term financial strength so that we can continue to offer services that genuinely support our members. We’re looking at ways to broaden our membership and refine our professional development offerings so they remain relevant and rewarding, while also contributing to IPEd’s sustainability. IPEd already provides an impressive range of learning opportunities, and there is real scope to streamline and modernise this work so it’s easier to deliver and better able to support the organisation. This will require thoughtful input from our committees, branches and members, and I’m hopeful we can make steady, tangible progress over the coming year.”
Catherine came to professional editing after a career in the Australian Diplomatic Service and consulting in the international community development field. She now combines her editing work with her consulting, often editing/rewriting social impact assessment and community development reports as the only native English speaker in a local research team. She is a recognised expert on socially responsible mining practices and has authored several practical guidance publications on that theme. Catherine has been a member of IPEd since 2017, and an accredited editor since 2018.
IPEd CEO Karen Lee warmly welcomed Catherine to the role of Chair.
“Catherine’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for our profession. Her governance experience, clarity of vision and collaborative leadership will ensure IPEd is well positioned for the future. She brings a strong strategic perspective and a keen understanding of what the organisation needs to grow and thrive. I look forward to working closely with her as we drive the next phase of growth and innovation for our members and for the profession.”
Karen also expressed her gratitude to outgoing Chair, Stephanie.
“Stephanie has brought heart, warmth and a clear commitment to members throughout her time as Chair. Her advocacy for the profession has been considered and grounded in genuine care for the work we do. I thank her for the contribution she has made to the role. I also want to acknowledge the commitment she has shown over many years to the Victorian branch and the numerous committees she has served on, as well as the contribution she continues to make. We look forward to continuing to work with her.”
Stephanie said she was grateful for the support of members and IPEd staff and volunteers during her tenure.
“It has been a privilege to serve IPEd on the Board as Deputy Chair and Chair. IPEd is lucky in having an engaged and passionate membership who care about their profession and value IPEd’s role and work. The current Board under its new chair brings significant skill and commitment to pursue an ambitious program for IPEd as it heads into its tenth year.”
After serving on the IPEd board since February 2023, Stephanie will step down from the board and from her role as Victorian Director. She will continue to be an active member of the Victorian branch and the Standing Committee on Professional Development. Stephanie was previously deputy chair of the IPEd board (appointed in February 2023) and was President of Editors Victoria from September 2020 to February 2023. She has been an active member for 20 years, volunteering with not only the Victorian branch but also with IPEd’s awards and prizes standing committee and accreditation exam teams. In addition to her work with IPEd, Stephanie currently works as Executive Officer of the History Council of Victoria and maintains a small freelance editing practice. Before that she was Head of Operations at Overland literary journal and was previously with RMIT University for many years as a teacher and manager in their writing and editing programs.