Netball Victoria CEO resigns to focus on family

Monday, April 23, 2012

Leigh Russell, Netball Victoria CEO recently announced her resignation from the position, stating that after her third pregnancy, family was her priority for the near future.

“While I have not made this decision lightly, I believe it to be the best one for both myself and the organisation. Given my now expanded family responsibilities, I feel I’m no longer in a position to lead the organisation in a way that I believe it should be – with 100% passion and commitment in a full time capacity,”she said.

Russell joined Netball Victoria two years ago after working at the Gold Coast Football Club as the General Manager – Leadership & Development.

During this short time, Russell has been a strong advocate of increasing the profile of women’s sport and encouraging women in leadership. Her passion for empowering girls and women in netball and the support of both grassroots and elite netball programs has contributed to the growth of netball in Victoria.

Russell is widely respected in the sport and business sectors due to her leadership, vision, work ethic and personable nature.

“It has been a tremendous privilege to lead Netball Victoria through an enormous period of change, and I am proud of what together we have been able to achieve over the past two years.”

Acting Chief Executive Officer, Russell James has confirmed that he will not be applying for the CEO position. Netball Victoria’s board are currently in the recruitment process and James will move into the Chief Operating Officer role once the new CEO has been appointed.

On behalf of Netball Victoria, players, administrators, the Melbourne Vixens and support staff, we’d like to thank Leigh for her significant contribution to the organisation and the Victorian netball community. We wish her and her family all the best.