WPA Board appoints Joelie Chisholm as new CEO

Water Polo Australia (WPA) Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Joelie Chisholm as Chief Executive Officer, effective as of 17th December 2018.

Ms Chisholm has an extensive background in the sporting sector including expertise in organisational transformation, governance and financial management.

She joins the WPA team having recently worked as an advisor to Olympic sports on governance transformation and collaboration opportunities and has worked in senior roles within Australian sport.

WPA President Thomas Whalan, said Joelie’s first hand knowledge of the sporting and corporate sectors, makes her the ideal appointment for Water Polo Australia.

“After a comprehensive recruitment process, we are pleased to welcome such an experienced sports administrator and leader to the role and combined with the water polo expertise throughout the organisation, we believe Joelie will bring a fresh approach in helping us deliver against our strategic priorities. said Whalan.

“Joelie’s extensive background and understanding of sports governance combined with her work in the consultancy and finance sectors, makes her a great fit for our sport.

Having worked across numerous national sporting organisations, Joelie is excited to join a well regarded Olympic sport such as water polo. 

“What an amazing time to be the CEO of an iconic Australian sport in this time of change. 

“I am eager to immerse myself in the water polo community and realise the potential of the sport both in Australia and on the global stage,” said Chisholm.

The former CEO of Australian Taekwondo, Joelie was pivotal in the repair and re-invigoration of Taekwondo in Australia.

She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales and an Honours science graduate from Cambridge University.

Joelie has been involved in sport from a young age and has been involved across many roles including athlete, coach, club committee member, board member and spouse of an Olympian. 

She brings a deep passion for sport and a commitment to making a difference by creating the experience of sport better for everyone who participates.

Combined with her commercial expertise, this passion will enable Joelie to bring the focus on excellence in leadership and governance at the national level that WPA is looking for.

The WPA Board would also like to recognise and thank Cara O’Neill for her contribution as acting CEO while conducting the search.