Leigh Russell: CEO, Swimming Australia
Leigh graduated from Victoria University with a Graduate Certificate in Career Counselling for Elite Performers.
In 2019 Leigh was recognised as one of the most influential women in Australian sport. She is the CEO of Swimming Australia, and Special Advisor to the Champions of Change, Sport. She was the first woman to hold a senior executive position within an AFL Club and the youngest CEO appointed in Netball Victoria’s history.
Leigh also served as Chair of Tennis Victoria’s Nominations Committee, Chair of Cricket Australia’s Player Welfare Committee, Director of the State Sport Centres Trust and AFL SportsReady, and former Chair of Women’s Health West.'
She has authored Game On and Every Girl Needs a Plan with fellow VU Women in Sport Ambassador Bianca Chatfield.
In addition to her VU qualification, Leigh holds a BA, Grad Dip Education, Grad Dip Social Science, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business.
“Sport has influence and impact on communities and individuals. As a young woman, sport was a ‘game changer’ for me, and I’m passionate about women and girls having as much opportunity to flourish through sport in as many ways as possible, so they too can reap the rewards of what sport offers”.
Connect with @leighmrussell on Twitter.