A former Nipper and local surf life saver, Damien Marangon, will join SLSSA as our new CEO from April 18.
Damien began his career at SLSSA and worked at Surf Life Saving WA for more than five years, before moving into senior leadership roles. He joins us after having spent six years as CEO of the Olympic gold medal-winning national sporting organisation, Shooting Australia.
SLSSA President, John Baker, said Damien’s CEO track record, understanding of the volunteer ethos, knowledge of high level support and emergency services operations, plus his lifesaving credentials, saw him beat more than 100 applicants to win the CEO role.
“Damien has a strong strategic viewpoint and sound financial experience, as well as outstanding relationship management skills… all of which are essential for this role,” he said.
“This will be a popular appointment locally, given Damien’s background in, and passion for, Surf Life Saving.
“This background, combined with his outstanding reputation and achievements as CEO, will allow him to understand the operations of the organisation and movement at both a strategic and operational level.”
Damien said that he was excited at the opportunity to return to where he began his working life and was committed to providing strong and collaborative leadership as Surf Life Saving South Australia moved into the next phase of its growth.
“I am passionate about this movement, both from a sporting and an emergency services perspective,” he said.
“This is an iconic brand that is such an important part of Australia’s – and South Australia’s – recent history and I’m excited about the opportunities to grow that brand and ensure it remains relevant.”
Damien Marangon: Senior Career History and Education
· CEO of Shooting Australia for six years
· General Manager of Shooting Australia for 12 months
· General Manager (Operations) of the Animal Welfare League of South Australia for almost three years
· Manager, Member and Community Services for Surf Life Saving WA for more than five years
· MBA in Sport Management from Deakin University
· Bachelor of Applied Science in Recreation, Planning and Management from the University of South Australia
· A past Board member of SLSSA (2009-2016) and of Commonwealth Games Australia (2013-2018)
· Winner of the Australian Institute of Sport Leadership Award in 2014 for outstanding leadership in Australian sport
· Member of the Executive Committee that led delivery of the 2018 Lifesaving World Championships in Adelaide