Tasmania JackJumpers appoint first female as chair of board in league history
Communications professional and company director Keryn Nylander has been named the Tasmania JackJumpers chair of the board, the first female to hold such a position in NBL history.
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THE Tasmania JackJumpers have created history by appointing the first female chairman of the board in the history of the NBL.
Communications professional and company director Keryn Nylander has been unveiled as the inaugural chair of the league’s newest franchise.
She takes official duties from NBL boss Larry Kestelman, who held the interim position while the JackJumpers finalised its front of house staff positions.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to take on this important role in this incredible new era in Tasmania’s history and in the Australian Sporting landscape,” Ms Nylander said.
“I believe in the power of sport to be a great community builder, unifying and creating a sense of belonging and pride.
“We have a rare opportunity to create something special for Tasmanians and for the community from the ground up and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”
A proud Tasmanian, Ms Nylander grew up in Launceston and began her journalism career with The Examiner Newspaper, before becoming first female News Director at WIN News Tasmania.
For the past two decades, she has worked as a leading communications consultant in Tasmania including at the helm of her own company, Nylander Consulting.
She has pioneered and fostered female leadership representation across the media, business and sports industries over three decades in an executive and non-executive director career.
“Keryn is highly respected in the Tasmanian community for her acumen, professionalism and tenacity over a decorated career,” Kestelman said.
“Her appointment as chair is culturally and socially significant and the NBL is pleased to support the overdue elevation of women to such leadership positions.”
Ms Nylander will chair the Tasmanian JackJumpers board, which consists of some of Tasmania’s most recognised and respected industry and business leaders including Damon Wise, Michael Bailey, Scott Harris and Steve Old.
“Still in 2021, there is such substantial under-representation of women in leadership and executive positions particularly in sport,” Ms Nylander said.
“Too often, women underestimate their ability and value to organisations. I hope that my appointment can go some way in inspiring other women to lead, whatever their chosen field.”
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