Susan Hecker and Paul McInerney have been appointed to the NFNL Board, while Jeff Parkes will step down after 12 years’ service.
Hecker and McInerney will commence their tenure at the completion of the 2019 Annual General Meeting, which will be held on Wednesday December 4.
Hecker is Manager Parks and Urban Design at the City of Whittlesea, delivering strategic planning, design, capital works and management of public spaces, town centres and sporting infrastructure.
She also sits on the Executive Sub-committee of the Darebin Creek Coordination Committee, has volunteered as a Women’s Offender Mentor, and has provided emergency housing for homeless young men completing year 12 education.
Having played and been a long-time spectator of sport in the North, Hecker is convinced of the role team sport plays in building resilience in diverse communities and believes it is essential for the community to have access to high-quality, sustainable and equitable public space and sports facilities.
This belief has provided the foundation for Susan’s work in Local Government, leading Leisure, Sports, Urban Design and Open Space portfolios.
McInerney brings a wealth of football experience to the NFNL Board as a former President of West Preston-Lakeside.
He has held many positions within football over the past 26 years, including Senior Coach, Junior Coach Coordinator, Football Manager, Sponsorship Manager and, most recently, President.
McInerney grew up in Lalor, where he played junior and senior football, and has been a successful business owner of several bicycle stores, including Brunswick’s Lygon Cycles.
NFNL Chairman Michael McLellan said Hecker and McInerney would be valuable additions to the Board.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome Susan and Paul to the Board of the NFNL,” McLellan said.
“Both bring a wealth of knowledge and new skill sets to the Board. Their experience within community sport will assist the NFNL to continue to grow and flourish.”
McLellan also acknowledged the contribution of outgoing Board member Jeff Parkes, who will stand down from the Board after the AGM.
A member of the inaugural NFNL Board in 2007, Parkes last year became the 44th person to be inducted as an NFNL Life Member.
Among his most significant contributions was the development of the competition model used to assist with the introduction of a third division in the senior men’s football competition.
He also served as the inaugural Netball Chairman when the league first established its netball competition.
“Jeff has been a valued member of the Board and his input and experience will be missed,” McLellan said.
“I would like to thank Jeff for his outstanding contribution and commitment to the NFNL.
“We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
