Jerril Rechter has been appointed CEO of the Australian Sports Foundation, an organisation that has supported philanthropic investment in sport for nearly 40 years.
Rechter, the former CEO of Basketball Australia, will start the role on March 16.
She brings experience from a number of other senior leadership roles, including as Vice President, Business Development Australia and New Zealand at The Walt Disney Company and CEO of VicHealth.
The Australian Sports Foundation was established by the Australian government to raise funds for the development of Australian sport. It supports athletes, clubs and communities, while also working to improve national wellbeing and social connection.
“I am deeply committed to strengthening the ability of sporting organisations and athletes to access sustainable philanthropic funding, and to lead an organisation that supports and enables them to thrive,” Rechter said.
“Sport has a unique capacity to strengthen community wellbeing, and I am committed to advancing initiatives that harness its power as a catalyst for social change across Australia.”
“I believe profoundly in sport’s power to connect and strengthen communities, and I am honoured to lead the Foundation and work alongside partners, donors, and the sporting community to build on its legacy and help shape its next chapter.”
Australian Sports Foundation Chair Professor Sarah Kelly said Rechter is an “exceptional leader” with the right experience to lead the organisation through its next phase.
“As we look ahead to Brisbane 2032 and beyond, the opportunity to strengthen philanthropic investment in sport has never been greater,” Kelly said.
“Jerril brings the vision and relationships to help unlock opportunity and impact for sporting organisations and communities across Australia.”
Currently, Rechter is the Vice President of the Western Bulldogs Football Club, a Director of IPC Health, and a member of Chief Executive Women.
She has been an Adviser to the World Health Organisation and women’s sport mentor with the Minerva Network.
Minister for Sport Anika Wells said she looks forward to working with Rechter.
“As we look ahead to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, strong leadership at the Australian Sports Foundation will help ensure more Australians have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from sport,” Wells said.