Paralympics Australia Appoints New CEO

The Board of Paralympics Australia has today announced Catherine Clark as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Clark will begin the role at a critical juncture for Paralympics Australia, as it moves to convert the success of its Tokyo 2020 campaign into stronger commercial opportunities and record levels of Para-sport participation.

With the Winter Paralympic Games next March, a shortened build-up to Paris 2024 and Brisbane 2032 on the horizon, consolidating Australia’s position among the world's leading Paralympic nations must also be a core focus for Clark, according to Paralympics Australia President Jock O’Callaghan.

“From this extraordinary platform that has been set by our Paralympic Teams and our organisation in years past, we are ready to catapult into a multi-faceted push to create lasting change for Australian Para-sport and for the disability community,” O’Callaghan said.

“The PA Board is thrilled that Catherine has embraced our vision and is ready to help lead our organisation through what we believe is the most important period in our history.

“It is not hyperbole to suggest that the next five years can determine the success of the Australian Paralympic movement for the following 20 years.”

As the current Chief Executive Officer of Netball Queensland, Clark governs one of the State’s largest participation sports from the grassroots to the elite level, including Suncorp Super Netball franchise the Queensland Firebirds, as well as Australia’s premier indoor sporting facility, Nissan Arena, which was built under her tenure.

With an extensive background in sports leadership as both a CEO and Board Director, Clark currently serves on the Board of Shooting Australia and previously held a Directorship with Australian University Sport in addition to CEO positions with Gymnastics Australia and Gym Sports New Zealand.  

“This was a highly competitive recruitment process. The calibre of applicants for this role was outstanding which is another testament to the reputation of our organisation and the momentum of our Paralympic movement,” O’Callaghan said.

“Catherine is clearly an exceptional leader and an experienced administrator with the skill set we believe is perfectly suited to lead our outstanding staff at PA, execute our strategic objectives for Para-sport nationally, drive high performance outcomes internationally and safeguard our long-term sustainability.

“Ultimately this role will carve PA’s path towards Brisbane 2032 and it must be a catalyst for ensuring the Games stakeholders deliver their promise to set new standards in every facet of the Paralympic Games experience for athletes, teams, stakeholders, fans and the wider community.

“I know Catherine is ready to meet all of these challenges.”

Clark, who will commence her role in January, said: “It’s an immense privilege to be appointed as Chief Executive of Paralympics Australia.

“I am excited to lead this wonderful organisation and to help grow the important work that it does to create opportunities for Australians to engage in Para-sport.

“Australia has a proud history at the Paralympic Games, but the impact of PA’s work extends well beyond the preparation and management of Australian Paralympic Teams.  I see a unique opportunity to drive increased participation, fan engagement and innovative commercialisation at a time when inspiring stories, strong role models and meaningful partnerships have arguably never been more important.”
 
Clark will move into the role vacated by Lynne Anderson, who concludes her successful six-year tenure on December 31st.

Supplied by Paralympics Australia