Marketer becomes new GM of Deakin Melbourne Boomers

Fitness Australia’s former general manager of marketing, Christy Collier, has joined the Deakin Melbourne Boomers as its new general manager.

Having spent nearly 20 years in a variety of marketing, operations and business roles, including COO and marketing and brand manager of Fitness Australia, Collier brings a wealth of experience to the Boomers. She also comes from a sporting background, having played in the WNBL with the Canberra Capitals during the nineties.

Collier said she is relishing the opportunity to combine her executive experience and love of women’s basketball at the Boomers.

“I love the game. I played it growing up, at representative and elite levels,” she said.

“I genuinely understand how important basketball is not only to the players, but also the fans, members, sponsors and the broader community as well."

Collier was also a director at Dragons Abreast Australia and founder of The Pink Movement, organisations dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of breast cancer survivors.

The NSW Department of Sport and Recreation recognised her in 2009 with a Women’s Sport Leaders Scholarship, and she has received several Women in Sport Grants from the Australian Sports Commission.

Collier will be relocating from Sydney to Melbourne for the role.

“The Boomers have a very professional set up, they’re on the front foot with their strategic direction and it’s an exciting future ahead for the club. It’s something I really want to be a part of.

“I’m very passionate about women in sport, so being in a family friendly space where my daughter can grow up not only idolising our girls but seeing women’s basketball first hand as a genuine professional pathway is something very special.

“We’re striving to win a Championship, and having come close over the past two seasons, it’s an exciting place to be.

“I’d love to see the Boomers membership continue to grow. It’s an exciting, authentic family experience and I think we can really build on this by continuing to engage the Victorian basketball community.

“People can see what a great fan experience game day is and with more televised games there are opportunities for the game to grow, bringing in more sponsors and new fans.”

Boomers chair, Tony Hallam, says Collier’s experience and leadership skills will be a huge asset for the club as it continues its commitment to empowering women in sport.

“When we were looking at candidates to help take the club forward, we weren’t just looking at employment experience, we were looking for a role model that can be a leadership figure at the club.

“Christy has impressed us with her vision for our club and I have no doubt that her passion and knowledge will take us to the next level of growth and performance. We’re lucky to have her at the Boomers and look forward to introducing her to our Boomers community when she starts later this month.”

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