We are delighted to announce that Jennifer Mills has been appointed Chair of the ASA Board of Directors. 

Mills, who became an ASA Director in 2022 and has served as Deputy Chair since 2025, is an acclaimed author, editor, and critic. She brings to the role a history of strong advocacy to improve the working conditions of authors and illustrators, including championing for better rates of pay for freelancers. 

ASA Chair Jennifer Mills says, ‘I am honoured to be appointed Chair of the ASA. Thanks in no small part to Sophie Cunningham’s wise leadership, the organisation is in a very strong position. With our hardworking CEO Lucy Hayward and a great team, we are more than ready for the challenges ahead. I can’t wait to get to work.’

Outgoing Chair, Sophie Cunningham, who served in the role for three years, will remain on the Board as Deputy Chair, continuing her valued contribution to the ASA. Cunningham’s dedicated leadership and steadfast commitment to the ASA’s advocacy has been instrumental to the prosperity of the organisation.

ASA Deputy Chair Sophie Cunningham says, ‘Jen Mills is a fine author and an awesome advocate for authors’ rights. She’s clear, focused, and articulate. It’s been a great pleasure to work with her as a Director of the ASA, and I’m so delighted she’s now been elected Chair of our organisation at what has been, and will continue to be, a challenging, complex, and exciting time. She’s exactly the kind of person I want — we all want — in our corner.’

ASA CEO Lucy Hayward says, ‘I extend my heartfelt thanks to Sophie Cunningham. Sophie has given so much to the literary community over the years, and the ASA has been extraordinarily lucky to benefit from her expert leadership and guidance. I am delighted she will remain on the Board as Deputy Chair and know she will continue to be an asset to our work. I warmly welcome Jen Mills as Chair and look forward to working with her to deliver on our purpose to  protect and promote the rights of Australia’s authors and illustrators.’