Born in Melbourne on 7 October 1960, Judith Isherwood graduated from NIDA in 1982 with a degree in Production Management. She gained placements with the National Theatre Company in Perth, the Western Australian Ballet Company and Western Australian Opera Company. On her return to Melbourne she became Chief Executive and General Manager of the Melbourne Fringe Festival.
In 2002 she gained international prominence by being the inaugural Chief Executive of the Wales Millenium Centre.
Returning to Melbourne in 2009 she took the position of Chief Executive of the Arts Centre Melbourne, a position which brought her much respect as a leader. Judith stepped down from this position in 2013 due to health concerns and was diagnosed with progressive Multiple Sclerosis in 2017 and was later diagnosed with Mesothelioma.
Judith Isherwood passed away on 1 July 2025.