Prominent Tasmanians join JackJumpers board as NBL chief prepares for first visit to state since February

Tasmania JackJumpers has revealed the first six members of its inaugural board, which will be chaired by league owner Larry Kestelman.

• Tasmania’s NBL team name revealed
• Coach search underway for JackJumpers

NBL boss Larry Kestelman will make his first Tasmanian visit since interstate travel was shut due to the coronavirus crisis next week to chair the first meeting of the inaugural JackJumpers board.

Kestelman has been unable to return to the state since late February, when he joined premier Peter Gutwein in formally announcing the historic deal to see Tasmania return to the NBL from next season.

NBL owner and executive chairman Larry Kestelman poses at the announcement in February that the league’s 10th team would be based in Tasmania. Picture: Zak Simmonds

The JackJumpers has announced the first six members of the club’s board, which contains a host of prominent locals:

• Tasmania General Manager of News Corp Australia Damon Wise

• Tasmanian Hospitality Association CEO Steve Old

• Launceston councillor and Tornadoes president Janie Finlay

• CEO Tasmania Chamber of Commerce and Industry Michael Bailey

• Beacon Foundation chief executive Scott Harris

• Tasmanian communications consultant and company director Keryn Nylander

General Manager, The Mercury. News, Damon Wise has joined the Tasmania JackJumpers board. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Kestelman, who will chair the board until the end of the financial year, said more members would likely be added.

“I want to thank all six of our board members for agreeing to join the Board of the Tasmania JackJumpers,” he said.

“We have assembled a board of passionate Tasmanians with an outstanding and diverse mix of skills and experience across business, government, media, community and sport.

“They will play an important role in guiding the JackJumpers through their first few years in the NBL and helping to build a club for all of Tasmania and a club all Tasmanians can be proud of.

Beacon Foundation chief executive Scott Harris is also on the Tasmania JackJumpers board.

“We’ve been humbled by how Tasmanians are embracing the JackJumpers with over 2,300 Foundation Members already joining the march.

“There’s also been a lot of interest from corporate Tasmania and we are also working closely with the state and local government as we grow the club.”

Kestelman will also visit the Derwent Entertainment Centre for the first time since its $40 million redevelopment began last month.

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