The Gold Coast SUNS wish to advise of changes to its Board of Directors with Leschen Smaller, Sam Riley and Rob Charter stepping down from the Board.
Leschen Smaller joined the Board in 2016 and chaired the Finance and Audit sub-committee across her seven years of service, which included helping the club navigate its way through the Covid pandemic and emerge in a stable financial position.
Sam Riley, who also served as a Board member for seven years and was a member of the Consumer and Community sub-committee, supported the club’s RAP group and was a key contributor in helping the club secure an AFLW license.
Rob Charter joined the Board in 2021 and was an integral member of the club’s Commercial sub-committee in his two years of service.
Gold Coast SUNS Chairman Bob East thanked each of them for their contribution to the club during a time where stability was needed to navigate difficult challenges.
“On behalf of everyone involved with the Gold Coast SUNS, I would like to thank Leschen, Sam and Rob for their contributions as members of the Board,” Chairman Bob East said.
“Their commitment to the club and their extensive knowledge and experience has guided our club well, and we are indebted for their service.”
Three new additions have officially joined the Board of Directors ahead of the May Board Meeting.
Jess Mellor – Jess is currently Chief Operating Officer for The Star Entertainment Group Gold Coast. Mellor has risen through the ranks in key roles at large scale integrated resort projects, earning herself the highly acclaimed award of AFR BOSS Young Executive of the Year in 2020.
Kurt Tippett - After a 178-game AFL career, Kurt Tippett has forged a career in property and business development in the Gold Coast region and is undertaking studies at Bond Unviersity.
Mark Witheriff – Mark is currently Managing Director of the CBRE’s Gold Coast office and has been one of the most prominent commercial property agents on the Gold Coast for over 25 years.
Bob East welcomed the new directors to the Board.
“I’d like to officially welcome Jess Mellor, Kurt Tippett and Mark Witheriff to the Gold Coast SUNS,” East said.
“Jess brings a wealth of business experience and Gold Coast community connections, Kurt’s property, business and football experience will be of great benefit and Mark’s business acumen, understanding of the Gold Coast and strong network will add great value to our Board.”
The club expects to make further additions to the Board in the coming months.
