Minerva Network has announced two key appointments that signal a boost for elite sportswomen in Queensland in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Ann Sherry AO, one of Australia’s leading business executives, has been appointed to join Dr Sarah Kelly OAM as Queensland Co-Chapter Leader on the Minerva Council.
In announcing the appointment Minerva Network Chair Christine McLoughlin AM said that Ann is well positioned to make a valuable contribution to growing the Network in Queensland after serving as New South Wales Chapter Leader since 2020.
“Together Ann and Sarah will lead the way for Minerva Network in Queensland in enabling access to mentoring for as many female athletes as possible in the lead up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Christine said.
“This is a powerhouse pair who will grow our connections with the business and sporting communities throughout Queensland to ensure our athletes have the best chance to excel both on and off the field.”
Ann’s appointment to co-lead the Minerva Network in Queensland coincides with her return to her home State in 2023.
“I’m looking forward to working with my colleague Sarah and all of our wonderful mentors, athletes and supporters in this critical green and gold decade for Queensland,” Ann said.
“We have a tremendous opportunity in Queensland to positively impact our female athletes who are amongst the best in the world and I’m thrilled to be coming home to Queensland to take on this key role with Minerva Network.”
With a stellar career that spans government, banking, and cruise tourism, Ann’s current appointments include Chancellor of QUT, Chair of UNICEF Australia and ENERO, non-executive roles with National Australia Bank, Sydney Airport, Palladium Group, Infrastructure Victoria, Cape York Partnerships and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia. Ann is the Australian Co-Chair of the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum and was previously the Chair and CEO of Carnival Australia.
The Minerva Network’s Queensland presence will also be amplified with the appointment of Louise Sturgess to the newly created role of Queensland Operations Manager.
Louise is a strategic communication professional with more than 20 years’ experience across not for profit, tourism, environment, government, arts, education, professional services and media, including senior roles with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, Queensland Museum Network and Brisbane Marketing.
Her career has seen her involved in a number of high profile sporting events in Queensland including the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, World Veterans Athletics Championships, and Olympic football. In a non-executive capacity, Louise previously served on the board of Triathlon Queensland and is currently Deputy Chair of Southern Queensland Country Tourism.
“It’s a privilege for me to join the Minerva Network as we seek to grow the number of extraordinary professional women athletes and support them off the field through our mentoring and development programmes.” Louise said.
“I’m excited to work closely with Ann and Sarah to help welcome more elite sportswomen to benefit from the Network’s mentoring in this critical decade on the runway to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
