Advance Cairns appoints new CEO

Advance Cairns has appointed experienced communicator and advocate Jennifer Spilsbury as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Cairns-born and North Queensland raised, Ms Spilsbury had an extensive career in the media industry for almost 30 years, including eight as editor of The Cairns Post (2015-2023).
She is currently partnerships and marketing manager at COUCH Cancer Hub NQ, where she has played an instrumental role in the charity almost doubling funds raised year on year.
Advance Cairns chairman Nick Trompf said he was delighted to appoint Ms Spilsbury to replace former CEO Jacinta Reddan (also a journalist).

“Jen is super-passionate about Cairns and FNQ and has long been a fierce advocate for increased resources for the region, with the health sector being one key area,” he said.

“She knows the challenges and opportunities for our industries and the broader communities of the far north. She has also had considerable experience in stakeholder engagement and interaction with government – as well as direct responsibility for managing multi-million dollar budgets – so is well equipped to continue the leading advocacy role played by Advance Cairns.”

Ms Spilsbury has also held leadership roles including member of News Corp Australia editorial board and deputy chair of the Mackay Hospital Foundation and is a current board member of Queensland Golf.

“I’m looking forward to joining Advance Cairns and playing my part in advocating for what’s important to those who live, work and invest here,” she said.
“It’s an exciting and important time for the region because it’s not only growing in population but also in terms of state and national significance. For someone who was born in Cairns – and now raising my own family here – I will relish the opportunity to work alongside Advance Cairns members, stakeholders and regional leaders to promote the best interests of this beautiful part of the world.”

Ms Spilsbury will begin as CEO in early January.

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