Creative Cantabrian wins First Steps in Governance
Cantabrian, Chelsea Houghton is the 2023 recipient of the Institute of Directors (IoD) Canterbury First Steps in Governance Award, which provides young professionals with first-hand experience on a not-for-profit board.
Houghton has expertise leading strategic communications and her governance experience to-date includes Marian College Board of Trustees, with previous roles as chair of the Takahē Collective Trust and a board member for Kidsfirst Kindergarten.
Through her business Grow Creative, she is building a cooperative organisation that provides a platform for freelance creatives to collaborate, gain experience, and receive mentorship.
“I believe that I can offer boards innovative leadership and clear communication models,” she said.
A PhD candidate at the University of Canterbury, Houghton is currently investigating ‘the impact of platformisation on arts organisations’. Her research has been supported through University of Canterbury Scholarship - Aho Hīnātore and she has been conducting interviews and surveys with organisational leaders across Aotearoa about the way platforms have changed their models of work, funding, and cultural production models.
Houghton says her experience has given her the confidence to contribute to the success of other businesses.
“My work with startups in various stages and industry membership underscore my dedication to fostering innovation within the organisational and community spheres.”
As the winner of the Canterbury First Steps in Governance Award, Houghton will receive a 12-month governance internship with the Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust (LFBIT), a further $955 towards an IoD director development course of her choice, one-year complimentary membership to the Institute of Directors, and mentoring with an experienced director.
The Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust congratulates Chelsea on her award and are delighted to welcome her to the LFBIT Board, as she begins her 12-month governance internship.
Selection panel chair and IoD Distinguished Fellow, Rex Williams, said Houghton’s grounded focus, combined with her research illustrates her desire to make a difference on boards.
“As boards increasingly seek new and unique insights and expertise to set them up for the future, there is no better time to be stepping into governance. We hope that Chelsea’s research insights, leadership potential and strategic background will bring new ideas to the LFBIT board, especially today as stakeholder values continue to impact organisational culture and decision making, where communication is key and the board will have the opportunity to draw from her strengths in this space.”
The selection panel believe Houghton will be an asset to the Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust board, and in turn, hope that she will broaden her skillset, laying a solid foundation for a future in governance.
Established in 2014, First Steps in Governance is awarded to young professionals and helps them to gain first-hand experience on a not-for-profit board. Eligible recipients must not have held any substantial board roles, but can have experience on local sports, schools or community boards or trusts.