New chief for Sport Bay of Plenty

Sport Bay of Plenty has announced Heidi Lichtwark as its new chief executive.

Chair of Sport Bay of Plenty Board of Trustees Grant Utteridge said it was delighted at the appointment.

"Heidi brings to the role a strong background in the sport and recreation sector in the Bay of Plenty region, and a proven ability to forge new relationships.

"Heidi has been a key staff member in our team for the past ten years and the board looks forward to working with Heidi to achieve our recently revised strategic objectives in the next phase for Sport Bay of Plenty."

Ms Lichtwark joined Sport Bay of Plenty in 2003 and recently was in a leadership role managing the recreation and health areas of the organisation.

She has a MBA in Sport Management and continues to study in post graduate organisational development.

Ms Lichtward said she was excited to follow the direction of previous chief executives including Dame Susan Devoy.

"I feel very passionate about our region - the people, places, the history as well as the future.

Sport Bay of Plenty has a huge depth of skill and knowledge within our staff and I am looking forward to leading the organisation into the next phase."