Board Update: Farewell to Maddi Palser and Welcome to Cathy Sugden

Athletics Tasmania wishes to advise members and the athletics community of recent changes to our Board of Directors.

We extend our sincere thanks to Maddi Palser, who after five years, has stepped down from the Board. Maddi brought valuable experience from her legal career and extensive involvement in Sport to the Board. During her tenure, she contributed strong governance insight, stakeholder engagement capability, and a commitment to supporting the growth of athletics in Tasmania. We sincerely thank Maddi for her contribution to Athletics Tasmania and wish her well.

We are also pleased to welcome Cathy Sugden as a new Appointed Director. Cathy is a senior leader with over 18 years of experience in engineering, technical program management, and organisational performance, currently serving as Head of Operational Performance at TasWater. She brings extensive expertise in strategy, stakeholder engagement, and delivery of complex projects, as well as prior leadership roles across multiple industries. Her skills and experience will be invaluable as Athletics Tasmania continues to strengthen its governance and strategic direction.

Athletics Tasmania President Damon Thomas said that this announcement brings mixed emotions.

“The Athletics Tasmania Board is saddened to be losing Maddi, who has made such a strong contribution over the past five years to our Board. On the other hand, I am excited to welcome such accomplished and experienced person as Cathy to the Board and am looking forward to working with her as we work towards positioning Athletics in Tasmania as the Sport of choice for all Tasmanians.

Please join us in thanking Maddi for her contribution and welcoming Cathy to the Board.