Cummins to lead basketball board

A NEW era has begun at Basketball Ballarat with the appointment of Fiona Cummins as the new chair of the board of management.

Ms Cummins, a board member for the past two years, brings a wealth of basketball and administration experience, having held the positions on the competitions and programs committee, as well as being the current chair of the technical officials committee.

She has also previously been part of the coaching team for the Miners Junior Programs.

Ms Cummins brings further extensive leadership and professional experience to the role, having served as the CEO of several organisations in the not-for-profit sector.

She was also a university lecturer in sports management and governance.

Effective immediately, Ms Cummins appointment follows that last month of new CEO Travis Merlo.

Mr Merlo said Ms Cummins’ passion for basketball, combined with her strong background in governance, education, and community engagement, would help guide Basketball Ballarat into its next exciting chapter.

“Fiona is a respected community leader with a deep understanding of basketball and a strong commitment to our vision for the future. We are confident that under her leadership, Basketball Ballarat will continue to achieve its strategic goals and further strengthen its service to the Ballarat community,” he said.

Ms Cummins succeeds Nathan Johnston, who has been praised for serving with dedication and vision during his tenure as chair.

She will be well supported by a familiar face around the basketball community in Anna Sheehan, who has been appointed as deputy chair of the board.

Ms Sheehan is currently the chair of the competitions and programs committee and has been a valued board member for the past 12 months. Mr Merlo said Sheehan provided a broad range of corporate and commercial advice, specialising in corporate law, property development, mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracts, partnerships and joint ventures, corporate governance, financial services, corporate fundraising, trusts, intellectual property and dispute resolution.

“Join us in welcoming Fiona and Anna to their new roles and in extending our gratitude to Nathan for his outstanding service to the Basketball Ballarat community.”