We recently caught up with Kelly McCallum, the newly appointed Deputy Chair of the Northland Rugby Union and Northland Sports Governance Chairs Forum representative.

Kelly has a deep passion for governance and is committed to putting her knowledge into action. Having studied the field extensively, she has also surrounded herself with highly respected sporting leaders, including Martin Snedden (experienced board member on NSOs and NFP organisations), to further develop her expertise. Now, she’s eager to make a meaningful impact in Northland’s sporting landscape.

We share more insights from our conversation with Kelly, including her vision for the future of sports governance in the region.

If you are a Board member on a Sports board and would like to know more about the Northland Sprots Governance Forum, contact Joey Yovich – josephy@sportnorth.co.nz.

What motivated you to become a volunteer on the Northland Rugby Union board.

To give back to the game.

How did your role with the Northland Rugby Union board come about?

I actually applied to the board about 6 years ago and was not selected. At the time I felt that it probably was not the right time anyways, so I put the idea in the back seat until a couple of years ago when a new director position became available. Funny enough, I was originally appointed as an emerging director and then confirmed as a full director 12 hours later when one of the current board members decided to step down last minute. Now I am currently deputy chair.

Was this your first governance board role, or had you served on other boards previously?

This is my first board role. I have always been involved in committees for various sports, but this was the first formal role. However, my PhD research project is in sport governance, so I am constantly embedded in multiple board contexts.

What challenges have you faced in your governance role?

My challenge as a director is my rugby knowledge skillset. I find myself drifting back and forth between governance and operational as my rugby knowledge is a strength in both contexts. I often have to remind myself 'what are my key governance deliverables' to ensure that I keep a clear boundary between both.

How have you maintained your commitment and drive to your kaupapa?

By being present, lots of dialogue and walking the talk.

What workshops or professional development opportunities have you engaged in to strengthen your governance skills?

I just recently signed up for IOD Finance Governance course. I'm always looking to improve my finance skillset!

What leadership qualities come naturally to you?

It took me a while, but I finally felt whole with a servant and collective leadership approach. I absolutely love being Deputy Chair to our Chair Nikita Tomlinson and helping to share the governance load.

What do you enjoy most about serving on a governance board?

The people.

Do you see the boards you are involved with adopting intern programs? What are your thoughts on this?

Yes, as a short-term intern myself, I think it is a fantastic stepping stone for future board directors to see what governance all is about. It is also an excellent way to bring youth into the board composition.

What are you looking forward to as part of the Northland Sports Governance Chairs forum?

Listening and learning from all different governance codes. The more experiences we bring into our discussions, the more learning there will be! I'm also looking forward to the guest speakers and meeting new people who are in our community of governance practice.

Article written by Joey Yovich, Regional Sport System Connector