Former Federal politician Kate Ellis is stepping down from the Adelaide Football Club’s Board of Directors due to her expanding work commitments.

Having completed nearly 14 years of dedicated service as a Number One Ticketholder and then Director, Ellis is needing to devote more time to her role as CEO of Raising Literacy Australia, which works to improve literacy levels among children from an early age.

A life-long Crows supporter who joined the Board early in 2017, she has sat on the Club’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, as well as the Adelaide Crows Foundation Board.

Crows Chairman John Olsen thanked Ellis for her passion and unwavering commitment, adding the Club was better for her involvement.

“Kate’s love for the Crows and advocacy have been hallmarks of her time on the Board, and in particular her clear and strong voice on policy, as well as matters relating to the Club’s charitable foundation,” Olsen said.

“We are disappointed to see her step aside but respect her decision and reasoning, and on behalf of everyone associated with our Club, I would like to acknowledge her valuable contribution over a long period of time.”

Ellis said she could unfortunately no longer devote the necessary time and energy required to be a Board Director of an AFL club.

“Aside from my family and the Crows, my other great passion is supporting children’s early development and Raising Literacy Australia has grown rapidly over the past year or so,” Ellis said.

“It now provides more support and programs to assist children than ever before, and I want and need to fully dedicate myself to its even more ambitious plans.

“To serve the football club I love and grew up supporting has been an absolute privilege and I wish the players, coaches, staff and Board the very best.

“I’ll always be a supporter who watches the on and off-field progress with interest, and I can’t wait to sit with my family and cheer on the men’s and women’s teams from the outer.”

Ellis’ departure and subsequent Board position vacancy will be a consideration in the context of the Annual General Meeting in the New Year.

Adelaide’s Board Directors are John Olsen (Chair), Linda Fellows (Deputy Chair), Mark Ricciuto, Stephen Roche, Richard Fennell, Shanti Berggren, Imelda Lynch and Graeme Goodings.