New Chair at Story Factory
05 Jun 2025
Here at Story Factory we are thrilled to welcome co-founder and former CEO of Pantera Press, Ali Green, as Chair of our Board, bidding farewell to long-standing Chair and board member Gemma Salteri, executive director of CAGES Foundation. Ali’s appointment comes as we enter a bold new chapter of growth, launching our Voices of Tomorrow campaign to reach 100,000 young people by 2027 – and opening an innovative new community hub in Mount Druitt.
Ali has served as Story Factory’s Deputy Chair since 2022. Her appointment ensures a seamless leadership transition as we prepare to deepen our impact during our most ambitious chapter yet.
Ali continues Story Factory’s tradition of women-led leadership, following a remarkable tenure by Chair Gemma Salteri. Salteri served two three-year terms on the board before stepping into the Chair role for her third and final term. Ali joins co-founder and Executive Director Dr Catherine Keenan AM, and an executive leadership team made up of more than 50% women, to direct the next chapter of our story.
Ali says: “Story Factory is one of the most impactful organisations I know – because we don’t just teach young people to write. We teach them they matter. And when a young person finds their voice, they find everything else too.”
“As a longtime supporter of Story Factory, I’ve seen firsthand how this work builds confidence, connection, and a sense of future. It’s an honour to be stepping into this role at such a pivotal time, as we expand our reach and deepen our impact.”
“In 2024 alone, Story Factory reached 8,770 young people—including more than 3,600 through digital programs nationwide. In our in-person programs, 17% of students identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, and 57% speak English as an additional language or dialect. These outcomes lay the foundation for our Voices of Tomorrow campaign, which will support an additional 35,000 students and help us reach 100,000 young people by our 15th anniversary in 2027.”
All of us at Story Factory would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to outgoing Chair Gemma Salteri. Her passion, guidance and leadership have been instrumental in the growth of the organisation over the past decade
“Serving as Chair of Story Factory has been one of the great privileges of my life,” said Gemma. “At its core, Story Factory understands that every young person has a story worth telling. I am excited for the future of Story Factory. Ali and Cath are a powerful duo with a bold vision, and I look forward to supporting the Voices of Tomorrow Campaign.
This change in leadership comes as Story Factory moves into the second half of its current five-year strategy. Our focus remains on continuing to deepen our impact with young people from under-resourced communities.
“My sincere thanks to Gemma, who has worked tirelessly alongside me for the last decade to bring Story Factory’s vision to life,” says Catherine Keenan. “Without her expert guidance, strong leadership, and deep commitment to the young people we work with, Story Factory would not be the organisation it is today.”
“I am also grateful to Deputy Chair Ali, who matches Gemma’s passion and commitment, for taking this role on. With her sure and thoughtful leadership, as well as her expertise in the publishing industry, we look forward to continuing to expand and develop our programs, allowing more students to tell their own stories and for others to be able to see, read and be inspired by their words.”