Public sector leader Claire Febey has been appointed Creative Victoria’s new Chief Executive.
Claire is an experienced and passionate leader with boundless energy and a strong commitment to inclusion and social justice.
She has extensive expertise in public policy, strategy and in the delivery of community services, and has held senior positions at the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, the Department of Premier and Cabinet and not-for-profit organisations such as Save the Children Australia.
In her most recent DJPR role as Associate Deputy Secretary, Tourism and Events, Claire has been responsible for driving Victoria’s economic and social recovery and growth through tourism, events and the visitor economy. This work has a strong intersection with the creative industries.
Claire’s previous work within DJPR has included leading a review of regional tourism in Victoria, creating a new entity to drive inclusive employment outcomes, and supporting a reset in Suburban and Regional Development. She was also instrumental in driving outcomes for bushfire affected communities in the aftermath of the 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires.
Starting her career as a photographer, Claire said the creative industries portfolio is close to her heart.
“I grew up in Tasmania and travelled to Melbourne on a school drama trip in the 90s. This was my first taste of Victoria’s art and cultural scene, and it was love at first sight. I moved here the moment I turned 18, determined to soak up our theatres, galleries, festivals and extraordinary creative landscape.”
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to apply my expertise across governance, strategy, program delivery and social and economic policy to champion and support a strong, inclusive creative sector at such a critical time - and to ensure that our creative industries are central to Victoria’s recovery. “I look forward to working with the Creative Victoria team and the sector to ensure that our creative offering in Victoria continues to be as rich and awe-inspiring as it was to 15-year old me when I visited on that drama trip.
Claire is also Chair of the Fitzroy Legal Service, has qualifications in photography, communications, and public policy, and has lived and worked in Victoria, South Australia, the Northern Territory, and the Solomon Islands.
Claire commences as CEO, Creative Victoria on Wednesday 23 February.
https://creative.vic.gov.au/news/2022/introducing-creative-victorias-new-ceo