Trisha Squires the new chief of AFL Tasmania after exit of Rob Auld
AFL Tasmania chief executive Rob Auld has taken a plum job in Melbourne as the sport in Tasmania lurches from one crisis to another.
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AFL Tasmania chief executive Rob Auld has taken a plum job in Melbourne as the sport in Tasmania lurches from one crisis to another.
Auld had been in the job for only 18 months but will now be the AFL’s national head of game development, with Trisha Squires to take over the Tasmanian job – the first female CEO of any state football organisation.
Auld leaves with the TSL awaiting a decision from Burnie on whether to remain in the TSL after Devonport pulled out before Christmas.
Burnie will make a decision on its future at a board meeting tonight.
MORE: BURNIE’S MONDAY DEADLINE TO DECIDE TSL FATE
Despite the constant battles in administrating football in the state, Auld – brother of AFL general manager of clubs and operations Travis Auld – said he enjoyed his time in the state.
“The state’s passion for football is infectious, there are so many people here that love and care for the game,” he said.
“My new role is very exciting as it is focused on the grassroots of the game which I am really passionate about and, pleasingly, it also allows me to keep an eye on Tasmania and the progress being made here.”
Squires said she is looking forward to building on the work that has been established in Tasmania.
“I am honoured to have this opportunity to lead the AFL Tasmania team and I’m looking forward to continuing the work of Rob and our executive management,” Squires said.
“Football in Tasmania is proud, passionate and an important pillar of the local community. I am dedicated to improving the game, on all levels, throughout the state.
“I’m intimately aware of the opportunities of Tasmanian football. I look forward to working hard with the entire football family to ensure we have a bright and prosperous future.”
Auld believes AFL Tasmania is in good hands with the highly credentialed Squires, anticipating his replacement to be a strong leader for the game in Tasmania and continue the progress, strategic direction and focus of the organisation.
“Trish is well known for her work in football circles and has a strong resume across football and leadership. The last 14 months at AFL Tasmania has provided Trish an invaluable baseline understanding of the opportunities and challenges the game has here.
“I’m extremely proud of what the team has achieved in my tenure at AFL Tasmania but it is just part of the journey for football in Tasmania. I have great faith that under Trish’s leadership the game will continue to unite and grow.”
AFL chief executive officer Gillon McLachlan said Squires’ appointment would take effect immediately.
“Trisha is extremely respected and well-known in our industry. She has made a tremendous contribution to football, and has worked closely with Rob over her time in Tasmania,” McLachlan said.
“She is the best person to lead AFL football in Tasmania through its next phase, and I congratulate her on the appointment and also becoming the first female AFL state CEO.”
Squires most recently held the position of partnerships and community engagement manager at AFL Tasmania, and previously led the Jim Stynes-established REACH Foundation as CEO.
She started her professional career as an AFL sportsready trainee at the Melbourne Football Club in 2000.
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