ACS gets its 2nd female president as Helen McHugh takes the reins

Technology industry association ACS will have its second female president in a decade with the current NSW Branch Chair, Helen McHugh stepping into the role for 2024-25.

McHugh replaces Dr Nick Tate as part of the organisation’s rotation rules, elected by a member vote this week.

“As the peak body for Australia’s IT profession, ACS represents both the heritage and the future of the nation’s technology sector,” McHugh said.

“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.”

ACS’s inaugural woman president was Brenda Aynsley, a decade ago.

Current President Dr Nick Tate said the organisation “came out of Covid stronger than ever with a strong member base”.

During his tenure, the member organisation also refreshed its leadership team with former White House tech guru Chris Vein joining as CEO.

Vein welcomed his new president, saying: “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.”

ACS was also a key backer of the recent Spark Festival, stepping in after the new NSW government pulled its funding support for the key startup event.

McHugh’s two-year tenure begins on January 1.

“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,” she said

Also elected to the ACS National Management Committee were Jeff Smith (Victoria), Roger Clarke (Canberra), Tapan Dave (South Australia) and Rod Dilnutt (Victoria)

ACS is the voice of Australia’s technology sector, representing more 47,000 technology professionals.