ROWING: Colin Smith has tendered his resignation as Chairman of Rowing Australia, a decision which took effect at the RA Board Meeting yesterday.
Director Flavia Gobbo has been appointed as the new Chairman, making her the first female in the role in the history of Rowing Australia. She has been a member of the RA Board since 19 December 2012.
With just under two years until the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the departing Smith believed the time was right.
“I felt that is was time for a change to ensure that Rowing Australia had the opportunity to install fresh leadership in order to oversee our program leading into Rio and to ensure that our Gold medal objectives are met,” Smith said.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my 14 years on the Rowing Australia Board, especially the last six as Chairman where I am very proud to have overseen RA’s accomplishments, including the formation of the National Rowing Centre of Excellence, successfully hosting the Sydney International Rowing Regatta, including World Rowing Cups in both 2013 and 2014, and being the first Australian Sports Commission funded sport to deliver a governance review to achieve the ASC’s mandatory governance principles.
“Moreover, the design and introduction of RA community rowing programs such as Adopt a School and talent development are two areas that I am proud to have been associated with and that will further cement RA’s position as a leader within Australian sport.
“It has been a great pleasure to combine my professional experience with my passion for rowing and to give back to the sport that has given me so much joy.”
Rowing Australia Chief Executive Andrew Dee thanked the outgoing Chairman for his dedication to the sport.
“While we are disappointed to see Colin depart his role as President of Rowing Australia we respect and understand his decision. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Colin on behalf of Rowing Australia for all his hard work and dedication to further the sport of rowing in Australia, and wish him the very best for his future endeavours”.
With Ms Gobbo appointed Chairman, the Board will undertake the appropriate process to consider a replacement member of the Board.
“We look forward to working with Flavia and the RA Board to build on the strength of Rowing Australia to meet our Gold medal objectives and to ensure the continued success of the sport into the future,” Chief Executive Dee said.
Gobbo, who was born in Melbourne, is a company director and experienced corporate lawyer. She is currently on the board of WorkCover QLD, prior to that she was Chair of Q-COMP as well as a senior lawyer at Telstra Corporation. On the water, Flavia was also a successful rower at both State and National level and competes now at Masters level as a member of the University of Queensland Boat Club.
Rowing Australia
