AFTRS welcomes new executives

Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) has announced the recent addition of two new executives joining the ranks.

Sharon Zeeman has been appointed to the role of Director of People and Culture and Joanne Herron has been appointed Chief Financial Officer.

Sharon Zeeman is a proud Gamilaroi woman and an arts and education multi-disciplinarian. She takes up the position of Director of People and Culture having acted in the role at various times recently and after two years as the Student Engagement Manager at AFTRS. 

Sharon has a background in teaching, performance and writing for stage and completed a Bachelor of Education at the University of Southern Queensland. Previous roles include as Education Co-ordinator at Belvoir St Theatre and the Producer of Learning Programs at Sydney Living Museum. 

Joanne Herron is an experienced finance professional, who most recently worked in the education section as Lead Finance Business Partner at the University of New South Wales, predominantly with the UNSW Business School and Faculty of Law and Justice.

Qualifying as a chartered accountant with Ernst & Young, she has previously held senior roles at Foxtel, Archant Media (UK) and News Corp Australia.

AFTRS also welcomes highly experienced industry leader, Debra Richards, who has been appointed to the nine-member AFTRS Council.

Debra Richards is currently the Director, Production Policy, APAC at Netflix and before that she was CEO of Ausfilm. She has also held senior roles at ASTRA and the Australian Broadcasting Authority. 

AFTRS CEO Dr Nell Greenwood is delighted with the latest additions.

“I am delighted to be welcoming Sharon and Joanne to the AFTRS Executive team and Debra to Council. All three women are highly experienced leaders, passionate about the potential of education to facilitate meaningful change,” said Dr Greenwood. 

“Sharon has a deep knowledge of AFTRS and the ethos and ambitions of the School. Joanne brings fresh eyes and a wealth of Australian and international business experience to the team. Debra has incredible experience, across multiple senior roles in industry, to bring to Council and support the School’s strategic goals in this rapidly changing environment.”