Sarah Jane Peterschlingmann to lead ACS Queensland
Sarah-Jane Peterschlingmann has been elected Chair of the Australian Computer Society (ACS) Queensland Branch Executive Committee for the 2026/2027 term, becoming the first woman in 15 years to hold the role.
Peterschlingmann is Managing Director of Brisbane-based technology firm ATech. She has served as Vice Chair of the ACS Queensland Branch Executive Committee.
Her election follows a period of involvement in ACS leadership and advocacy. She received an ACS Fellowship in 2024, which is one of the organisation's highest professional honours.
Peterschlingmann has volunteered for ACS over many years. She has spoken and appeared on panels at numerous ACS events around Queensland.
Her industry work extends beyond ACS. She has served on advisory boards for Queensland University of Technology, University of Queensland and Central Queensland University.
She has also supported industry and diversity groups. These include Women in Technology, Women in Digital and QUT Women in Technology.
Peterschlingmann has held roles as Entrepreneur in Residence at two innovation hubs. She works with start-ups and emerging technology businesses in those roles.
In a statement, she outlined her priorities for the two-year term as Chair.
"Serving as Chair of ACS for the 2026/2027 term is a tremendous honour and my focus will be on delivering even greater value for ACS members across Queensland. Over the past two years, we've made significant progress in strengthening our regional presence, and that work will continue. Looking ahead, our priority is to elevate the overall member experience to expand professional development opportunities, deepen industry collaboration and ensure ACS continues to be an essential partner in every Queensland member's tech career journey.
"One of the things that makes ACS truly special is the genuine sense of community and inclusion across our membership. ACS has a rich heritage, and it was wonderful at a recent ACS lunch to see retired women and men in their 80s and even 90s sitting alongside those just starting their careers at university or TAFE. That connection across generations is incredibly inspiring and a reminder of the lasting impact our profession can have.
"I look forward to continuing to work closely with our community to build a stronger, even more connected and impactful ACS," said Peterschlingmann.
The ACS Queensland Branch represents information and communications technology professionals across the state. The Branch runs member events, professional development programmes and advocacy initiatives.
The new leadership team will start its term in 2026. The committee will set branch strategy and oversee local activities.
New committee
The newly elected ACS Queensland Branch Executive Committee includes a mix of returning and new members.
Peterschlingmann will serve as Branch Chair. David Rudduck will serve as Vice Chair.
Nick Brant will act as Honorary Treasurer. Peter Yeates will act as Honorary Secretary.
Ordinary committee members are Zaya Bayarsaikhan, Michele Berkhout, Jay Davis, Benjamin Smith and Neil Wood.
Members of the committee hold ACS professional designations. These include Fellow of the Australian Computer Society, Member of the Australian Computer Society, Certified Professional and Certified Technologist.
Outgoing Chair Mathew Eames will remain involved as Immediate Past Chair. He worked alongside Peterschlingmann during the previous term.
Eames said he expected continuity in the branch's direction under the new Chair.
"Over the past two years, while I served as Chair with Sarah-Jane as my Vice Chair, her support and shared vision for the ACS have been truly inspiring. As I transition to Immediate Past Chair and Sarah-Jane steps into the role of Chair, I'm excited to continue supporting her and the vision I know she has for our members.
"Sarah-Jane's contribution to ACS over many years has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her unwavering dedication to giving back to the community, driving meaningful change across the industry and supporting the next generation of technology professionals has been truly inspiring. She is a respected thought leader whose insights, energy and commitment have strengthened ACS at every level. I am confident that under her leadership, ACS will continue to grow its impact, relevance and value for members across Queensland," said Eames.
Industry profile
Peterschlingmann is an investor, entrepreneur and business adviser. She frequently speaks on technology, innovation and leadership.
She is a featured author of the international bestseller "Wholehearted Leadership Revolution". She won the 2022 Queensland Pearcey ICT Entrepreneur of the Year award.
She began her career as a web developer. She has grown ATech from a small operation into a company with multi-million dollar revenues.
ATech delivers cloud hosting and web development services for what it describes as mission critical websites. The company focuses on high scalability, availability and security requirements.
The firm has built and hosted websites and web applications for organisations including Virgin Australia, Seqwater and Brisbane City Council. Its client base includes airlines, banks, government bodies and corporates across sectors such as transport, ICT, real estate, construction and healthcare.
Peterschlingmann will lead ACS Queensland during a period of continued growth in the state's technology sector. She said she plans to focus on regional engagement, professional development and industry connections throughout her term.