The Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd) is pleased to announce the appointment of new Membership Director Vanaja Thomas, effective from 4 October 2022.
IPEd Chair Ruth Davies said Vanaja was chosen after a highly competitive selection process.
“Vanaja Thomas is an excellent choice and brings with her more than 15 years experience with membership and not-for-profit organisations,” Davies said.
“Her focus and dedication to the member experience, from attraction to retention and engagement, was what made her stand out.”
Thomas is currently the Membership Manager at the Society of Hospital Pharmacists Australia, and has worked for a range of peak organisations for various professions including for veterinarians, master plumbers, small business owners and company directors. She has previously worked as an account manager for a publishing house and possesses insights into the editing and publishing professions.
“I look forward to seeing the valuable contribution that Vanaja will make to our leadership team at the Institute of Professional Editors as we continue to advance the profession of editing in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand and support editors in training, advocacy and promotion,” Davies said.
Thomas said she was excited about her role as membership director at IPEd.
“I’m looking forward to helping IPEd strategically evolve and grow as an organisation, to explore and add value to the member experience and to find ways to communicate that value and the opportunities as best as possible so that our editors can make the most out of their memberships,” Thomas said.
“I’m hoping I can help IPEd grow its corporate membership base too, as I’ve had success in this area in other roles. As the membership and partnership officer for the Self Storage Association of Australasia, I helped the company retain all five of its major corporate customers during the pandemic and was able to engage a sixth client too.”
IPEd is the professional membership association for editors in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, with around 1400 members. It supports a thriving membership by offering professional development opportunities, valuable member benefits and advocacy for the profession.