Sports Environment Alliance announces departure of CEO Jan Fitzgerald

Dear Members, Partners, Associate Members & Friends and all who support Sports Environment Alliance’s mission and purpose to #protecttheplacesweplay.

I write, on behalf of the Board and team of Sports Environment Alliance, to let you know that it is with much sadness we announce that our CEO Jan Fitzgerald has advised of her departure from SEA, which will take effect at the end of September 2024.

Whilst politicians regularly trot out the “I am leaving to spend more time with the family” line this is genuinely the case for Jan. She is committed to giving those close to her, some not well and others ageing, more of her time while that opportunity remains open, whilst seeking more flexible work and board options.

In what will be almost two years with SEA, Jan has consolidated, connected, challenged and convened people, businesses, finances and events. As but a sample of what she has done, Jan has managed and delivered two highly successful SEA Summits, run an excellent forum at the 2023 NSC, appeared on a number of panels around the country at conferences and seminars (and in Malaysia, too), and has always promoted and grown the value of SEA membership.

At the heart of her work has always been the importance of environmental stewardship and how people involved in sport and sports organisations, of whatever stripe, can minimise their footprints and maximise their mitigation efforts.

Jan has built on SEA’s existing relationships and further extended SEA’s reputation as a serious and important voice in the environment and regeneration conversation.

On behalf of the Board, I thank Jan for her tireless and committed work for SEA which is highly appreciated. We wish her well for her next endeavours and for the precious moments she will now be able to spend with her extended family.

Recruitment for her successor will commence shortly.

Margot Foster AM OLY
Chair, Sports Environment Alliance