FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENEW YORK, N.Y.—The Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) has completed a major reorganization of its governance structure and elected three new members to its Board of Directors.
The new organization creates an expanded board with redefined roles that can better focus on FIL’s important priorities, among them—international development, Olympic vision and world championship platform evolution. Newly elected Board President Sue Redfern, of Twickenham, England, said the changes come at “a critical and exciting time for lacrosse.”
The Board restructuring brings FIL more into line with other International Federations. The new structure follows the June hiring of the FIL’s first Chief Executive Officer, Jim Scherr, and reflects changes approved last year by the FIL General Assembly of member nations.
“The appointment of our first CEO and our first inclusion in the multi-sport World Games are important steps towards achieving our strategic vision of Olympic inclusion and provide an excellent platform for the organization to move forward.”
“The Board and General Assembly have recognized a need for change, while ensuring the continuity of the development program, both in new countries and in helping existing member countries grow even stronger.”
— Sue Redfern, FIL President
The revised Board structure and its members, elected on July 24 by the General Assembly, are as follows (biographies of all board members can be found here or by clicking on a name):President
Sue Redfern, England (elected to two-year term)
The President is the Board Chair and confirms the agenda and timing of all Board meetings and General Assemblies. The President also serves as an ex-officio member of all committees and is responsible for the development and implementation of the FIL Strategic and Operational Plans.Vice President
Steve Stenersen, USA (re-elected to one-year term)
The Vice President performs the duties of the President in the absence of the President or in the event the President is unable to serve. The Vice President also serves as an ex-officio member of all committees of the Board and chairs the Nominations Committee.Secretary General
Ron Balls, England (re-elected to two-year term)
The Secretary General oversees the communications with members, liaison with the IOC and other international sporting bodies, the financial functions of the organization and ensures adherence to relevant governance requirements.Competition Director
Lorna Powell, Scotland (elected to one-year term)
The Competition Director is responsible for the development, management and oversight of the FIL world events.Technical Director
Don Blacklock, England (elected to two-year term)
The Technical Director is responsible for the development of rules for all lacrosse disciplines recognized by the FIL, the development of officials and the selection of officials for FIL World Events. The Technical Director is also responsible for FIL Anti-Doping activities.The revised structure of Competition/Technical is a move to a more functional rather than gender based organization.Development Director
Bob DeMarco, USA (re-elected to one-year term)
The Development Director is responsible for the management of the FIL membership program and the FIL’s international development program.Olympic Vision Director
Tom Hayes, USA (appointed)
The Olympic Vision Director chairs the Olympic Vision Committee, which has the prime responsibility to progress the inclusion of lacrosse within the Olympic Games program.Legal Counsel
Howard Borkan, USA (appointed)
Legal Counsel provides, on a pro-bono basis, unbiased and independent advice to the board on relevant matters, including all contracts, organizational documents and policies, and consults with the Directors, employees and agents of the organization as needed.Still to be appointed to the Board is an Athletes Commission Director. This will provide a voice for athletes at the Board level.
In addition to Redfern, the two other new Board members—Lorna Powell (Scotland) and Don Blacklock (England)—replace a trio of individuals who have provided years of outstanding, dedicated service to the FIL:
- Stan Cockerton (Canada) served as the inaugural vice president of the FIL board when the International Lacrosse Federation (ILF) and International Federation of Women’s Lacrosse Associations (IFWLA) merged to form the FIL in 2008. He assumed the position of President in 2010.
- Shelley Maher (Australia/USA) was also on the inaugural FIL Board and has served the organization as the Women’s Director over the last nine years.
- Terry Harding (Canada) was elected three years ago as the Men’s Director and oversaw the development of the FIL’s Anti-Doping program ensuring compliance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Redfern thanked the outgoing members and echoed the remarks of Vice President Steve Stenersen, who said, “Each of these individuals served the FIL with distinction, and their contributions have been invaluable in our goal to bring lacrosse to all corners of the world.”
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For more information, contact Sue Redfern at sredfern@worldlacrosse.sport
