WPA Board welcomes two new appointed Directors

The Water Polo Australia Board has appointed two new Directors following Phil Garling and Kathy Ostin stepping down at the end of last year.

Andrew Knox (Queensland) and Susie Smith (South Australia) were appointed to the Board this month to fill the two vacancies.

President of Water Polo Australia Thomas Whalan, said the Board welcomed the experience both Andrew and Susie bring to the existing Board mix.

“On behalf of the WPA Board and Management team, I want to welcome Andrew and Susie, who not only bring to the Board their expertise from their own careers, but have a shared passion for water polo,” said Whalan.

“Andrew’s background working in one of the most highly regarded law firms as well as his governance experience will be a great asset to our Board. As a water polo parent who has seen his children play at all levels of the sport, he will also bring a deep understanding of our game.

“Susie’s reputation in sport is highly regarded, representing Australia in both water polo and swimming as well as her various coaching roles. Outside of the sports arena, her professional career has seen her reach the top in not-for-profit organisations where she has played a vital role in strategic planning, government relations and much more.

“I also want to take this opportunity to thank our outgoing Board members Phil and Kathy.

“Phil served Water Polo Australia as President of the Board during a time of change and growth. It is through his leadership we saw many great results achieved from our teams as well as new initiatives for the sport implemented, and ones that will leave a lasting legacy for the sport.

“As Chair of the Finance Risk and Audit Committee, Kathy worked tirelessly throughout the three years she served on the Board and provided strong expertise as an independent board member. We thank both her and Phil for their commitment,” he said.

Andrew Knox

Andrew has been a partner in national law firm Allens for over 30 years, practising as a corporate advisory lawyer for the whole of his 36 year legal career. In addition, Andrew has served on the boards of a number of not for profit entities in the fields of education and superannuation for almost 20 years in total, including more than 15 years when he chaired the governing bodies of some of these entities.

Susie Smith

Susie has over 20 years’ corporate experience and is the Chief Executive of the Australian Industry Greenhouse Network. Susie’s corporate experience includes strategic planning, product development, government affairs and multi-stakeholder consultation, and corporate social responsibility reporting. Susie was a dual Australian representative water polo (1989-1990) and swimming (1991-1993) as well as junior state team coach (1994-95 and 2006).

For full biographies as well as a list of all WPA Board members – click here.