Crows hold election for Board vacancy

The Adelaide Football Club will hold an election after receiving several nominations for one vacancy on the Board of Directors.

The online ballot will be independently run by CorpVote and voting will open at 9am (ACDT) on Thursday, February 16.

Voting closes at 5pm (ACDT) on Monday, February 27.

To be eligible to vote, you must be a financial member who has access to no less than three Crows home or away matches in a season. The process is open to Gold members.

CorpVote will send information regarding the election directly to members.

The candidate with the most votes will be appointed a two-year term, with the successful candidate to be announced at the Club’s Annual Members Meeting at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday, March 1.

A statement from each of the candidates can be found below.

IMELDA LYNCH

I can make a major contribution to the governance of the Adelaide Football Club based on my over 30 years experience as an executive and board member in the sporting, public, private and not for profit sectors. I am currently the Captain (Chair) of the Glenelg Golf Club, the first elected female to ever hold this position. I am a non-executive director of four other organisations: Australian Medical Research Advisory Board, ACH Group, Bellberry Limited and the Macular Disease Foundation of Australia.

My career has provided a significant and diverse range of experiences that will add value and contribute to the overall good governance of the AFC. I am experienced in board governance, strategy, financial and risk management and am recognised for building sound relationships, networks and partnerships. I am also a graduate and member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

As former CEO of the Heart Foundation SA/NT and current Chair of Glenelg Golf Club, another member-based organisation, I understand the importance of members and the communities that support the Club. I look forward to engaging with AFC supporters.

As a long time Crows supporter myself, it is an exciting time to be involved in the footy club as we continue to build a culture that supports the current and future players of our great game. We also have the exciting development of new headquarters.

I would be delighted to contribute my skills at board level.

ANGELA MCCABE

In my recently resigned role as General Manager of Flinders Private Hospital (ACHA), I provided strategic leadership, maintained a robust operational governance framework, developed an annual budget, business development, customer and stakeholder experience through a highly regulated standards-based business.

ACHA is a ‘not for profit’ organisation of three hospitals, with a management agreement in place with Healthscope (a ‘for profit’ entity). My role included working / negotiating with SA Health (Government) in the provision of services provided for public patients. As General Manager, I reported to both the ACHA and Healthscope Boards.

Over the past 15 years, I have progressed my career through diligent efficient management and leadership. I remain AHPRA accredited as a Registered Nurse and have a genuine desire to support the community with a passion for AFL/sports at all levels. The benefits of both the physical and mental health to those that participate as players, watch sport / football are significant.

In each of my executive roles I have been the Leadership Chairperson for various committees. I have well developed skills in Human Resources, Work, Health and Safety, Legal Governance and Property Leasing / Asset Management.

I believe I possess the skills and aptitude to participate as an Adelaide Football Club Member Elected Director. I am a confident communicator, with strong negotiation skills, influencing others positively.

In May 2022, I completed the Australian Institute of Company Director’s course and look forward to contributing to the Adelaide Football Club Board utilising my skills and knowledge.

ROGER THOMAS

My name is Roger Thomas, I am a proud Kokatha Mirning man from northern and western South Australia. I am honoured to be recognised across the Aboriginal community of South Australia as a respected Statesman and senior Elder. This standing has been earned through my life long involvement with the broader South Australian community, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal.

I have a background in adult education, public service, and community engagement.

I have been a lifelong supporter and member of the Adelaide Crows Football Club.

From 2013 to 2015 I was appointed as the first Chairperson of the Club’s Aboriginal Advisory Committee which commenced the development of the Club’s inaugural Reconciliation Statement. 

In 2020 I was once again appointed the Chairperson of the Club’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Committee. This committee under my leadership has successfully progressed the RAP to a Stretch RAP stage.

I strongly believe that with all of the work that I have provided leadership on within the Club, I am a highly suitable candidate to now be elected to the Crows Board and provide a strong voice at the Board level and strengthen our commitments to reconciliation.

My election will strengthen this commitment and deliver a strong message to the Aboriginal community that the Adelaide Crows is committed at all levels of its business to reconciliation and reflect the significant role of Aboriginal people play in the AFL.

SHOUWN OOSTING

As a longstanding supporter and member of the Adelaide Crows, I am excited to nominate for a member elected position on the Board of Directors.

Although the last four years has seen some challenging times for the Club and its members, I am optimistic about the opportunities that lay ahead, including the continued development of the men’s and women’s teams, and the establishment of a new Club headquarters and training facility.

I am a proud Aboriginal man that has over 20 years of experience working in the Federal and State public sectors and consultancy, with a strong focus on improving life outcomes for Australia’s First Nations peoples through the delivery of economic participation policy and programs.

I am a current board member of the South Australian Film Corporation, and I have actively participated on numerous government committees and workshop groups at the local, State and National level, including Chairperson roles.

I hold a Bachelor of Commerce (Management), a Bachelor of Laws and a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice.

As a Board member, I will bring strong experience in governance, leadership, stakeholder engagement, strategic and critical thinking to help guide the future direction of this great Club. I will work hard to:

• Ensure the club is inclusive of its members interests in the Board’s decision-making processes.
• Provide honest and transparent communication to all Club stakeholders and members.
• Help develop an inclusive and safe Club culture, a place where all staff and players feel empowered, will thrive and be successful.