Vancouver-based Animation Career Excelerator (ACE Canada) has announced its first board of directors and the launch of its new non-profit, The ACE Canada Society, which is focused on supporting underrepresented professionals in Canadian animation through career training, education, mentorship and networking opportunities.

The newly-appointed board chair is Rose-Ann Tiserand, Flying Kraken Creative Studios executive producer and founder of the ACE Program.

Tracey Mack, head of production at Imagine Create Media and ACE EP, is set as treasurer; while Heather Renney, Atomic Cartoons supervising producer and ACE associate producer, is set as secretary.

The directors are Emma Gignac, Mercury Filmworks supervising director; Melisssa Graham, director of production at Nelvana; Stephanie Morel, VP talent and culture at Reel FX; independent filmmaker Janet Perlman; and Kickstart Entertainment president Heather Puttock.

Rounding out the directors is Sarah Serata, Spin Master director, entertainment assets; independent filmmaker Amanda Strong; and Nadine Westerbarkey, Atomic Cartoons studio creative director.

The ACE Society’s signature initiative, the ACE Program – founded by Tiserand – is a nationwide effort designed to advance the careers of mid-level animation professionals who identify as women and non-binary.

The ACE Program’s sponsors include Netflix Canada, the Canada Media Fund, Creative BC, Telefilm Canada, Atomic Cartoons, the National Film Board and more.

Image courtesy of Animation Career Accelerator. Pictured (L-R): top: Rose-Ann Tisserand, Tracey Mack and Heather Renney. Middle: Amanda Strong, Emma Gignac, Heather Puttock and Janet Perlman. Bottom: Melissa Graham, Nadine Westerbarkey, Sarah Serata and Stephanie Morel