2026 AGM: Board Member Updates

After nine years at the helm, Jane Russo's term as Athletics SA President came to an end at the ASA AGM on Wednesday evening, with Connor Mulholland elected as the new President.

Connor joined the Board in 2024, and has brought with him extensive expertise and knowledge in commercial and corporate matters with his background as Special Counsel for LK. 

“I’m honoured to take on this role and to support the incredible athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers who make our sport so strong in South Australia,” Connor says.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Shane, our staff, the Board and our clubs to grow participation and build on the great work already underway.

"I would also like to thank Jane for her incredible hard work, enthusiasm, and passion over the last 9 years. She has made an incredible contribution to our sport, and she will be sorely missed.”

Athletics SA is also pleased to announce the appointment of Alessandro Mannini GAICD to its Board on a one-year term. Alessandro brings nearly 30 years of international leadership experience across governance, strategy, finance, risk, business development and organisational transformation, and currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and a Director of SEISQUARE Group. 

A lifelong participant in community sport, Alessandro has strong connections to South Australian clubs through his own and his family’s involvement. His commercial expertise, governance discipline and commitment to inclusive, sustainable sport will make a valuable contribution to Athletics SA and our wider athletics community. 

Athletics SA can also confirm the re-elections of Verity Pietsch and Melissa Grantham to the Board for 3 years, with Verity elected as the new Vice President.

Verity has served on the Board since 2022, bringing professional knowledge of PR, communications, media and crisis management. She has been a key part of the Adelaide Invitational Local Organising Committee and has served on the Australian Athletics Digital Working Group, providing advice and feedback on digital strategy at a national level.

Melissa has contributed across a number of facets during her first term as a Board member. She has advocated strongly for volunteers and officials, supported policy, governance and integrity matters and officiates regularly at ASA events across the season.

Athletics SA welcomes our new and returning Board members, and we look forward to growing, developing and improving the sport of athletics in South Australia together.