Our fabulous FIT President Kerren Crosthwaite is stepping down at our AGM. That means we are on the lookout for a new President! Kerren’s kindly answered a few questions about the role; if you’re interested in nominating for it check out the details on the AGM news post.

Why did you volunteer for the role?
It’s no secret that I love FIT! I saw this as an opportunity to give something back to my club, as I’ve been an active ‘consumer’ for a number of years. I knew who the other committee members would be, and was confident that I had a great team who would support me. I was right, because they did.

What does the role involve?
Not as much as you’d think! Aside from the oversight responsibilities that come from the role being an “office” of an incorporated entity: I chair committee meetings (about once every six weeks); and contribute to decision-making on an ad hoc basis outside of that. This includes attending the TACT Club Presidents’ meetings (a few times a year); finances; etc. I’m a good delegator and so long as you are happy asking people to do things, the actual workload is ok. People always want to help.

What has been the best part?
Before this year, I don’t think I fully understood how generous, supportive and committed to service so many of our volunteers and coaches are. This club offers its members SO much. I feel privileged to have been able to help facilitate some of that generosity.

Why are you stepping down?
Since becoming President I have had a big promotion at work, which needs more of my time and focus than my previous role did. If that hadn’t happened, I’d be lining up for another year!

Who could be the next President?
You don’t need any special qualifications – you don’t need to have been here for any minimum length of time; you don’t need to be a coach, you don’t need any specific committee or board experience. Thankfully, a significant number of the current committee intend to re-nominate, so (pending re-election) there will be plenty of support and experience.

I think our next President could be any member who has:

• A passion for FIT. I love my club, and all of our members, and I hope that comes across in all of my interactions with members and people outside.
• A knack for delegating. You don’t need to do everything! The job shouldn’t take up more than 4-6 hours a week on average, unless you want it to.
• An interest in any of the disciplines, not necessarily all of them. I’m primarily a runner, but that has not been a barrier to being an effective President or committee member. In fact, this role has allowed me to see the parts of the club I haven’t actively participated in, including the amazing coaches and community in the swimming and cycling disciplines.