Netball Queensland names new Chief Executive

Netball Queensland and the Queensland Firebirds have announced the appointment of Kate Davies as their new Chief Executive.

Succeeding Catherine Clark, who is moving to the Australian Paralympic Committee, Davies brings with her extensive experience across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, including senior executive roles with local and state government and Cricket Australia and Queensland Cricket.

Explaining that she has the responsibility of leading Netball Queensland out of a challenging two-year period and into a new era, Davies (pictured) commented “I want to be part of an organisation that is doing things that matter, grounded in solid values and providing unforgettable experiences.

“Netball Queensland impacts and transforms the lives of many, unites people, brings joy and strives for excellence and this role is an opportunity for me to bring my skills and experience to bear and lead an organisation that has the destiny of my first sporting passion in its hands.

“After playing such a significant role in delivering the Suncorp Super Netball competition during the last two COVID-19 impacted seasons, Netball Queensland is about to re-emerge, dust off the Netball United 2020-2022 Strategic Plan and continue to break through the barriers of inclusion and equality in sport to become a world-leading sports organisation - I am excited to lead Netball Queensland on that journey alongside Netball Queensland’s experienced Executive Leadership Team of Chief Operating Officer, Mike Anderson, General Manager - Commercial, Marketing and Events, Nathan Spooner, High Performance Director, Demelza Fellowes and General Manager - Community Sport, Glenn Dennis and Executive Officer Sharon White.

“I look forward to hearing from all the voices that make up the Netball Queensland community and working with them to grow the game.”

Davies shared her plans for reinvigorating Netball Queensland internally ahead of a fresh new phase, highlighting “workplaces as we once knew them have changed forever as a result of COVID-19”.

Despite not officially starting in the role until January, Davies has a clear game plan she will implement when she hits the ground running in the New Year.

She added “the utility of flexible working arrangements and employee wellbeing initiatives are now at the fore of organisational leadership considerations and as such new channels for connecting with staff are essential.

“Further, the focus on mental health and employee wellbeing have become fully entrenched as part of workplace health and safety and this will be a focus for me.

“The pandemic has provided many with increased perspective and now, more than ever, people want to feel they are contributing, not only to their organisation, but to society.

“Netball Queensland staff and stakeholders need a strong sense that we know where we are heading and all working towards. Reviewing and reaffirming the vision and operational plans for Queensland Netball will be an important focus moving into 2022.”

Davies has also reflected on the opportunity to make a contribution to the Firebirds saying “the strength of skill and character both on and off the court is to be admired and provides inspiration for all netballers right across the state”.

Netball Queensland Chair, Ian Fullagar said he was excited to see Davies lead the organisation forward, noting “the board and I are absolutely thrilled to appoint Kate Davies as the new CEO of Netball Queensland and have full confidence Kate is the right person to lead the organisation into another exciting chapter

“Kate has a wealth of experience across a wide range of industries and also brings with her tremendous passion and enthusiasm for Netball which will ensure Netball Queensland and Netball in Queensland continues to transform lives and experience further success.”

Davies will officially start in the role on 10th January next year.

Image courtesy of Netball Queensland.