New Co-CEOs

Jin-oh Choi and Chanel Egan

Media Release

Tuesday, 25 January 2022

Pint of Science Australia announced today the appointment of new co-chief executive officers, Ms Chanel Egan and Mr Jin-oh Choi.

The pair bring a range of experience both as long-term volunteers with Pint of Science, along with significant experience from the professional sector.

Ms Chanel Egan was the coordinator for the Newcastle Pint festival in 2019 prior to being promoted to Chief of Staff in recognition of her strategic and operational contribution to the organisation. With degrees in project management and psychology, along with management and operational experience within the tech and not-for-profit sectors, Ms Egan brings a breadth of unique experience to the organisation.

Mr Jin-oh Choi has led the national ICT team at Pint of Science since 2019 and brings a suite of professional experience in service delivery and design. Mr Choi is currently formalising his event management experience with a degree at Torrens University Australia in meeting and event planning. He has a huge passion for public STEM engagement events, is a member of the Australian Science Communicators and is a long-standing organiser with March for Science Australia.

Outgoing Co-CEO Dr Tom Carruthers has welcomed the appointment. "Chanel and Jin-oh have a strong vision for the STEM engagement sector in Australia, and their leadership role with Pint will help give them a platform to make progress towards that."

"Their experience with the organisation and their readiness to be brave enough to think beyond the status quo will drive Pint of Science into a new future. It's definitely an exciting time to be involved."

"We are so excited to see what the future brings for Pint", outgoing Co-CEO Jirana Boontanjai said. "Pint of Science Australia is in great hands – I can’t wait to see how their knowledge and skills shift the direction of the organisation”.

Both Ms Egan and Mr Choi have committed to continue the strong passionate stance on equity and accessibility that has been a strong feature of Pint of Science in Australia. They are also committed to ensuring the financial and volunteer sustainability for the festival's ongoing success.

Co-founder of Pint of Science International and UK Director, Dr Praveen Paul, expressed her thanks to the outgoing CEOs. "A huge, huge thank you to Tom and Jirana who have been involved in Australia for over 5 years. It is very sad to see them go. It's been amazing to see them transform the running of the organisation and reach so many people."

"Tom and I are really proud of what we've achieved. We have learned so much and there is definitely a Pint of Science sized hole in my life now." Ms Boontanjai said.

"We are so grateful to all of the volunteers who supported our vision of what Pint of Science could become. Our success was only made possible by their efforts."

Ms Egan and Mr Choi have formally commenced their tenure earlier this month in preparation for the May 2022 festival and are collaborating with a central team of volunteers. Anyone interested in contributing should get in contact via the website.

Ms Boontanjai and Dr Carruthers will remain in honorary advisory roles to the co-CEOs over the coming months to support the transition.

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Contact details 
[email protected]
Chanel Egan 0422065214 or Jin-oh Choi 0408271800