A dynamic executive leader, strategist and coach with a focus on lifelong, life-wide learning and creative cultural engagement. Paula has developed strategies, services, facilities and programs that focus on staff development, improved outcomes and community well-being. She is passionate about early literacy and the promotion of reading. She champions the aesthetic and functional improvement of library and learning spaces and supports people to live their best lives as an empowering coach and facilitator. Paula's roles include leading the strategic and operational development of teams, businesses, libraries, and community development (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQA+ and Multicultural engagement, community grants and volunteering). She plays integral roles in library and community hub developments. Projects include the award-winning Creative Technology Hub (Seaworks Foundation and Raeco partnership) and Library at the Dock. As the State Library's Reader Development and Offsite Learning Manager, Paula supported the development of readers and those who work with them, leading the National Centre for Youth Literature and Victoria's Young Readers Program. A passionate advocate for libraries and positive outcomes in people’s lives, she works across public libraries, schools, communities, philanthropic organizations, and with individuals and commercial partners.Paula is sought after as a presenter on educational, creative, and cultural endeavors including Early Literacy, innovative projects, library development, and community strengthening and has contributed to international publications and won a number of prestigious awards.With a background in education, community development, and public libraries, she assisted in establishing Australia's first Children's Laureate program, Australia's first National Year of Reading & the ALIA Library Design Awards. She is a Churchill Fellow (2010), a Barrett Reid Scholar (2015) and achieved Ph.D. candidature in Early Literacy and Disadvantage. She consulted at the State Library Victoria and lectured at the University of Melbourne (Early Literacy & Language M.Ed). A past ALIA Board Director (Australian Library & Information Association), Paula has represented libraries on Inspire Australia Board (Vic), was Chair of the Executive Governance Group Prevention of Violence Partnership and held numerous other NFP Boards including the Go Girls Foundation and CBCA. Currently serving IFLA Reading and Literacy Standing Committee, and in 2021 & 22 was a Prime Minister’s Literary Awards Judge.