The team behind the Animation Career Excelerator (ACE CANADA) has announced the formation of its first Board of Directors and the official launch of the new not-for-profit Animation Career Excelerator Society, dedicated to advancing the careers of women and non-binary professionals in the animation industry.

Chairing the board is independent producer and founder of the ACE Program, Rose-Ann Tisserand.

“Forming the ACE CANADA Society and our first board is an important step in ensuring the long-term sustainability and national reach of the program,” said Tisserand, in an announcement this week. “We’re excited to build on the incredible momentum of ACE and create even more opportunities for underrepresented voices in animation.”

The board includes: 

Board Chair: Rose-Ann Tisserand, Independent Producer, Flying Kraken Creative Studios and Executive Producer and Founder of the ACE Program

Treasurer: Tracey Mack, Head of Production and Producer, Imagine Create Media and Executive Producer of the ACE Program

Secretary: Heather Renney, Supervising Producer, Atomic Cartoons and Associate Producer of the ACE Program

Directors:

Emma Gignac, Supervising Director, Mercury Filmworks

Melissa Graham, Director of Production, Nelvana

Stephanie Morel, VP Talent & Culture, Reel FX

Janet Perlman, Independent Filmmaker

Heather Puttock, President, Kickstart Entertainment

Sarah Serata, Director Entertainment Assets, Spin Master

Amanda Strong, Independent Filmmaker

Nadine Westerbarkey, Studio Creative Director, Atomic Cartoons

The Animation Career Excelerator (ACE Canada) Society is dedicated to strengthening the Canadian animation industry by supporting underrepresented professionals through career training, education, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The program is sponsored by Netflix Canada, Canada Media Fund, Creative BC and the Province of British Columbia, Telefilm Canada, Toon Boom Animation, Autodesk, Atomic Cartoons, and the National Film Board (NFB).