BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Brian Ritchie, Chair (TAS)
David Roper, Deputy Chair (VIC)
Karen Mahlab AM, Public Officer (VIC)
Jill Morgan AM, Director (VIC)
Hannah Saunders, Treasurer (NSW)
Takako Tamura, Director (VIC)
Yien Hong, Director (VIC)
Brian Ritchie, Chair (TAS)
Brian is the founding bassist/multi-instrumentalist of pioneering American alternative group Violent Femmes. The Femmes have toured the world for over 40 years, sold millions of recordings, and played in over 40 countries. He has also played with artists as diverse as Lou Reed, Rodriguez, Australian Chamber Orchestra, John Zorn to name but a few. Brian is also a licensed performer and teacher of Japanese traditional music on shakuhachi bamboo flute.
In 2007 he moved to Tasmania and shortly thereafter started Mona Foma (Museum of Old and New Art Festival of Music and Art). Each year the MOFO lineup defies genre and convention. It encompasses a wide range of music, visual art, theatre, dance, new media and collaborative work. He is also the Artistic Director of Music at Mona. There are over 1000 performances onsite at the museum each year.
Brian has had a lifelong interest in jazz, as listener, performer and curator. His unique perspective on improvising and presenting musical performances informs his contribution to the AAO Board.
David Roper, Deputy Chair (VIC)
David’s background is in design and manufacturing. He co-founded Crumpler, Minuteman Messengers and vinyl record press, Program Records. David is also Chair of Melbourne’s iconic giant puppet company, Snuff Puppets and brings a wealth of experience in small to medium sized arts companies to the AAO.
Karen Mahlab AM, Public Officer (VIC)
Karen Mahlab has been an innovator in opening the channels of connection between communities, not-for-profit organisations, volunteers, philanthropy and business. She is a passionate believer in the power of community and connection. Following a career in the corporate sector, she established Pro Bono Australia in 1999 as a for-purpose business. Since then it has developed into the major national "hub for the common Good", with close to one million Australians who want to volunteer, give, get a job or the latest news and information about Australia's civil society using Pro Bono Australia's services.
Karen sits on a wide variety of private and not for profit boards and committees. She was awarded Member of the Order of Australia (AM) Queens Birthday 2015 for contribution to the Australian Not for Profit sector and Innovation in Philanthropy.
Jill Morgan AM, Director (VIC)
Jill is an experienced arts leader and has worked extensively in multicultural and indigenous arts in Australia. Jill is the former CEO of Multicultural Arts Victoria (Vic) and Kulcha (WA). She has contributed significantly to diversity and arts programming, policy development, and strategies locally and nationally. She is currently sitting on the Board of Directors of the Federation of Ethnic Communities Council of Australia and Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria. She is passionate advocate for diversity.
Her artistic leadership and strategic acuity has been widely recognised through significant leadership awards in the arts, including: the Sidney Myer Performing Arts Award (facilitator), which pays tribute to outstanding excellence in the Arts in Australia, Member Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the promotion of multicultural and indigenous art through leadership roles in arts organisations, and has received several Victorian Government Multicultural Excellence Awards for her work. She has an unwavering commitment to arts experiences being welcoming, accessible, and reflective of our community.
Hannah Saunders, Treasurer (NSW)
Hannah Saunders certified as a chartered accountant at KPMG and has worked in finance across corporate and not for profit organisations. Currently she manages public programs at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney creating experiences for art, design music and science audiences.
Working across community, government and corporate environments Hannah has developed and delivered cultural initiatives for the Powerhouse Museum, City of Sydney, Vivid Sydney, and local community arts organisations.
Takako Tamura, Director (VIC)
Takako is an entrepreneur and community place maker with a passion for fostering cultural activity. Across her varied practice, she works as a chef, photographer and DJ and is the owner and operator of Melbourne venues Tamura Sake Bar and Izakaya by Tamura.
Following her high school education, Takako relocated from Japan to London in 1996 where she studied an arts degree in photography alongside culinary training in award-winning Japanese cuisine. Following this period, she moved to Australia in 2003 to expand upon her mission to connect the world with good food, music and people. Takako managed Horse Bazaar from 2013-2020 and has a long record of organising events for emerging musicians and hip-hop artists to launch their careers. She has been instrumental in facilitating musical collaborations and professional opportunities for artists in Japan and Australia, organising multiple tours for artists in both countries. Her passion continues through the recent opening of Izakaya by Tamura – a Japanese style pub in the heart of Fitzroy, which is not just a restaurant but also a creative hub for artists and tourists to connect to the local community. Takako is currently making her first compilation album/record with producers from Tokyo and Melbourne.
Yien Hong, Director (VIC)
Yien is an accomplished legal and governance professional with over 20 years’ experience across financial services, property and commercial law. Recognised as an executive leader for achieving business goals and driving broader social enterprise change. Who champions continuous improvement, driving positive change and achieving strategic objectives with a commercial and pragmatic approach across contractual negotiations, risk management and advisory. Who develops high performing, resilient teams and encourages them to achieve their potential. Yien has served on not-for-profit boards, and as general counsel for ASX listed companies. She is committed to the alignment of purpose and profit across the community.
Corinna Maloney - The Observership Program
In 2024, Corinna Maloney joins us as part of the Board Observership program. Corinna has an extensive history building capability within teams and strong collaborative team culture. Her career in digital marketing and transformation spans over 15 years across numerous industries including retail, utilities, financial services, media & entertainment and education. A background in small business and entrepreneurship combined with experience in large, complex organisations has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of business needs and objectives and the ability to create solutions to meet these needs. She is a strong believer in the power of creativity and technology to enhance experiences. Corinna is currently the General Manager, Digital Services at Education Services Australia.
From AAO Chair, Brian Ritchie: “AAO Board would like to welcome Corinna Mahoney from the Board Observership Program to come in and learn the method to our madness and give us a fresh perspective in return. The Observership Program is a bold initiative and we are thrilled to be included.“