Dual gold medal Olympian Gill Rolton was today confirmed as the athlete appointed director on the Equestrian Australia (EA) Board.
A multiple Australian Team representative in Eventing, Rolton has since gone on to hold key positions in the sport including Australian Eventing Team selector, Chair of the National Eventing Committee, Eventing Committee member of the Federation Equestre International (FEI) as well as Ground Jury member at the London 2012 Olympic Games and Event Director of the Australian International 3 Day Event.
EA Chairman Dr Warwick Vale, said he welcomed someone of Gill’s calibre to the Board and emphasised the importance of the board appointed, athlete director position.
“On behalf of the Board I would like to welcome Gill as the athlete appointed director, an important position that ensures the athletes’ views are represented and expressed.
“As an athlete who competed at the highest level of the sport, Gill has great insight to offer and her presence on the board and her involvement in the decision making process will be of great benefit,” Mr Vale said.
Ms Rolton is pleased to be joining the board at this time.
“This is a time of change for EA and it’s always good to be involved in change. I hope my contribution as athlete appointed director will benefit the sport and the athletes.
“I see part of this role as being a conduit from the riders to the board and having experience as a rider in most disciplines, event organiser, official and administrator I feel I can offer the board a diverse voice.”
“The role of athlete director is one of communication and representation of rider issues. I’ll be an ear to the athletes and take forward their opinions to the board,” Ms Rolton said.
Gill will hold the position of appointed athlete director until the 2014 AGM. She is currently serving as the Chair of the National Eventing Committee (NEC) for which her tenure will conclude later this year. Gill will remain as the NEC Chair until the Committee reconvenes.
The casual vacancy position which became available after Paul Biancardi stepped down will be advertised and the board will look to fill this position in the coming month.
