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This article was published on Tuesday, 8 April, 2014. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

New SAM foundation board announced

Managing Director Goulburn Valley Water, Peter Quinn has been appointed interim Board Chair until formally voted in at the first meeting of the Board. Mr Quinn has extensive experience in strategic planning, regional infrastructure development, organisational capacity building, risk management and governance. He holds an Executive MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management, and has undertaken a Churchill Fellowship project on water resource management.

The Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) Foundation Board comprises seven members, with founder, Greater Shepparton City Council CEO, Gavin Cator, fulfilling a temporary appointment until the Board makes a decision with regard to up to three additional members.

Mr Quinn was appointed along with Mr Stephen Copulos, Managing Director, Copulos Group; Dr Jody Evans, Associate Professor (Marketing), Melbourne Business School; Mr Carrillo Gantner AO, Chair, Sidney Myer Fund; Mr George Gabriel, Non-Executive Director, Morphic Asset Management; and Mr Drew Pettifer, Artist and Lecturer, Monash University.

Newly appointed Chair, Peter Quinn, said "It's an honour to lead the inaugural SAM Foundation Board and I'm delighted by the calibre of individuals and the range of skills represented amongst my fellow Directors."

"It is an exciting endeavour that we are embarking on, toward a new expanded Art Museum for Shepparton," said Mr Quinn. "The vision to me is clear and compelling, and it's not just about a new building, it's about a museum that becomes the cultural heartbeat of the city and our regional communities. And of course a magnet for domestic and international visitors, so that the museum plays a big part in the future prosperity and liveability of Greater Shepparton."

"There will be many challenges along the way, but I'm confident the Board has the capability and the motivation to keep an eye on the prize and work towards a great outcome," he said.

Greater Shepparton City Council CEO, Gavin Cator said the appointment of the Board represents a significant step in opening up support for SAM and growing new revenue opportunities for its growth.

"I extend my thanks to the voluntary Board of Directors for their commitment to SAM and its important role in the future of Greater Shepparton. This is a fantastic group of individuals with broad ranging skills and strong links to the region," said Mr Cator.

Expressions of interest to join the board were sought from individuals with the desire and capacity to gift and raise funds, with skills in the philanthropic, financial investment, legal, arts, business or marketing sectors. Expressions of interest closed on 6 December 2013 and a selection panel comprising Greater Shepparton City Council CEO Gavin Cator, Mayor Jenny Houlihan, SAM Director Kirsten Paisley and Acting General Manager Market & Community Development, Arts Victoria, Ian Rogers was convened to review the applications and make a determination.

The SAM Foundation Board came together for the first time on Tuesday 1 April, 2014 to meet each other, Councillors and Senior Council Staff and to tour the Art Museum, with the inaugural meeting of the Board planned for later this month.

The SAM Foundation has been established as a company limited by guarantee with Deductible Gift Recipient Status, to raise funds for a new expanded SAM and for the growth of the art collection.

The appointment of the Board follows Council approval at a meeting in February to go ahead with a detailed feasibility study to look at options for a stand-alone new Sam facility.

If you would like to express interest in the SAM Foundation please contact SAM Director Kirsten Paisley on (03) 5832 9700.

Image: from left to right, Greater Shepparton City Council CEO Gavin Cator, SAM Foundation Chair Peter Quinn, Board Member Stephen Copulos and SAM Director Kirsten Paisley.