The Northern Football Netball League will enter the Christmas break with a new chief executive locked in.
The league announced on 8 December that Daniel Kelly would step into the top job at the league.
He replaces Martin Stillman, who stood down from the role having joined the league in January 2023.
The league said on its website that over the past six weeks the board has undertaken a rigorous and thorough process to determine the requirements of the chief executive role, in an ever-changing and increasingly complex community sporting environment.
“The league was fortunate to receive an exceptionally strong response from a large number of applicants, testament to the reputation and standing of the NFNL,” the league statement said.
Board chair Michael Peacock said they were delighted to have Kelly as the league’s new chief executive.
“Daniel’s attributes and experience, in particular, his leadership approach and collaborative stakeholder engagement style, align closely with the way the NFNL aspires to operate, with our staff, our member clubs, our stakeholders and partners,” Peacock said.
“Daniel brings a personable leadership approach and a track record of building staff capability to achieve strategic priorities. Importantly, in our increasingly complex operating environment, he also brings a rigorous, structured risk assessment and management approach to the role, through an extensive corporate background at both Telstra and BP.
“Daniel is a long-time resident of the north. He has strong familiarity with the NFNL and an acute understanding of the broader role grassroots sport plays in community connectedness and belonging.”
Kelly said he was extremely grateful and excited to lead a league that has been a cornerstone of local sport for generations but also has an exciting future.
“I believe the best outcomes come from working together and I look forward to partnering with all stakeholders to ensure the NFNL continues to thrive.”
Kelly will commence in the role early next year.
