Storyteller-in-Chief Susan Kukucka announces departure from 100 Story Building
After three wonderful years on Level 100, Chief Executive Officer Susan Kukucka will be leaving 100 Story Building and setting off on her adventures at the end of her contract in July 2024. Non-Executive Board Director Abhilash Mudaliar will step into the role of CEO while recruitment is undertaken.
Since joining 100 Story Building in June 2021, Susan has guided the organisation through unchartered territories, expanding its impact and inspiring countless young voices across Melbourne and beyond.
Sandeep Varma, Chair of 100 Story Building, said: “Susan is a rare leader. With buckets of passion, an unending chocolate fountain of smarts, and grit the size of Mt Resilience, she led 100 Story Building with heart and creativity through its most perilous quests and nearly every adventure in the bookstore. We are so grateful for her presence steering our rowdy spaceship, touching thousands of creative lives. She leaves us with a brand new home and so much real impact, with space for a new vibrant chapter.
“We can only wish her more brightness amongst the next stars she helps spark.”
Reflecting on her time at 100 Story Building, Susan shared: "It has been an absolute privilege to do this meaningful work with such a dedicated creative team. Not a day has gone by where I haven't been inspired by the creativity of the young people we work with, the steadfast teachers, our visionary supporters and creative partners, and the encouragement and counsel of the Board.”
Over the last three years, 100 Story Building's programs have benefited more than 12,000 children and young people, and over 700 educators around Victoria. Under Susan's leadership, the organisation weathered the stormy seas of the pandemic, emerging stronger, more purposeful and impactful than ever. This includes opening doors (including a trapdoor to 99 imaginative levels below) to our new home in Footscray for young writers, forging new partnerships with the Department of Education and Training and Creative Victoria to support young people in their creative endeavours, and establishing the first-ever Young People’s Advisory Committee for 100 Story Building's programs.
“As bittersweet as it is to leave this incredible organisation, I know its foundations are strong. With the launch and activation of our new centre in Footscray, our expanding network of Story Hubs across greater Melbourne and Geelong, and an ever-growing program that amplifies more and more young voices, the future is bright for 100 Story Building. I leave holding fast to one of our favourite teaching principles: 'Yes, and...?' As I say 'Yes, and' to all the possibilities the future holds for me, I remain forever grateful to have been a part of 100 Story Building’s inspirational world," Susan reflected.
“The Board and the 100 Story Building team have ambitious plans, building on what has already been achieved. We will commence the recruitment process shortly to appoint the next CEO. In the meantime, we are fortunate to have Abhilash Mudaliar stepping in as interim CEO, supported by our capable team who will ensure business continues as usual during the recruitment process,” Sandeep said.
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MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Jenny Tran
E: jenny@100storybuilding.org.au
T: 03 9689 0420