Swimming Australia has announced current board member Susan Smith has been appointed as the interim President of Swimming Australia.

Effective 18 September, the appointment of Smith comes following the resignation of current President Michelle Gallen ahead of her new role as the CEO of the National Sports Tribunal.

Smith was the President of Swimming Victoria from 2019 to 2022, was the Deputy Chair of VicSport and a Director and Company Secretary for the Bendigo Highett Community Bank.

Smith has been a Board Member of Swimming Australia since October 2022, making her well placed to lead Swimming Australia through the current governance and constitutional reforms.

Swimming Australia congratulates Susan on her appointment.

Please see below quotes attributable to Michelle Gallen:

“On behalf of the Board, we are pleased to see Susan appointed to the role of interim President of Swimming Australia.”

“Having held leadership roles at both state and national level, Susan has a thorough understanding of the swimming landscape, and importantly can see the opportunities in front of us to help strengthen swimming from the grassroots through to the elite level.”

“Susan has extensive management and governance experience in elite sport and business, which makes her the right person to lead Swimming in Australia through these necessary governance and constitutional reforms at next month’s Special General Meeting.”

Please see below quotes attributable to Susan Smith:

“I am honoured to be appointed as the interim President of Swimming Australia and look forward to commencing in the role.”

“My priority is building on the foundations that Michelle and the entire team have been working tirelessly on to update our constitution and governance structure, which is a requirement of being a member of World Aquatics (AQUA) and aligns us with the broader International Olympic Committee structure.”

“These changes are necessary and will modernise the way the sport is governed. Importantly, they will provide a broader voting base as we work together to secure the future success of swimming in Australia.”

Taken from Swimming World Media Release on 1 September 2023.