Stephen Healy has been elected as the next president of Tennis Australia.
The New South Wales lawyer defeated former Australian Open chief executive and tournament director and world number one doubles player Paul McNamee in the election, held in Melbourne among members of the sport’s Members Association. Healy, who is currently chairman of Tennis New South Wales and a Tennis Australia board member, will replace current president Geoff Pollard.
Announcing the appointment to the media immediately after the result, Pollard said: “Steve was a pretty good player, he went on to become President of the northern suburbs tennis association and then President of Tennis NSW, and now will become President of TA, so he understands tennis from grassroots right through to the elite level. He was a member of our player development board back when John Newcombe was chairman, so he’s had a lot of long-time experience with Tennis Australia, not just the last few years when he’s been on the board. On top of that he’s a lawyer, a partner with Gadens, so he brings wonderful credentials to become President.”
Healy congratulated McNamee on his campaign, and confirmed that he would be working with Pollard over a six-month transition period. He added: “I am excited about the appointment and look forward to leading tennis in Australia. There are many challenges and issues that need to be addressed if we are to appeal more to the community and if we are to produce champions. The answer lies in working together, being flexible, inclusive and willing to think laterally.”
