Farewell to Chair of the Board: Catherine Lewis

After a successful 14-year tenure as Chair of the Wales Netball Board of Directors, Catherine Lewis has reached the end of her third and final term on the Board. It’s time to pass over the torch to an incoming Chair to continue leading and shaping Catherine’s tremendous efforts.

Appointed in 2010, Catherine has guided the organisation through numerous transitions and outstanding accomplishments, from financial stabilisation to world class performances on the court. In 2019, she became the Chair of the Europe Netball Board, of which Wales Netball is a member. Between 2021 and 2023, Catherine oversaw the rebranding of Wales Netball, Welsh Feathers, and Cardiff Dragons. During this period, she received several prestigious awards, including the Europe Netball Service Award (2022), the Sport Caerphilly Lifetime Achievement Award (November 2023), and the Mary French Award for Lifetime Services to Netball (August 2024).

Thanks to Catherine and her leadership of the Board, Wales Netball has experienced significant growth in the sport and as of July 2024, the membership base reached its highest figure in history, boasting 11,000 members. Catherine is also the Chair of the Cardiff Dragons Board, supporting the tender process that saw Cardiff Dragons secure a 10-year license in May 2024 with the Netball Super League, reaching a new level of professionalisation in the sport for future athletes.

A Message from the Wales Netball CEO:

‘Catherine has been a steady hand at the helm of Wales Netball for 14 years. In her tenure, she has seen some incredible highs and challenging lows. Catherine has remained admirably committed to steering the governing body through it all. For me, Catherine has been a constant source of support during my time as CEO, and I am sure this will continue from a distance. Whilst I am sad to see Catherine step down, I am excited for the incoming chair to build on the great foundation Catherine had laid.’ 

Catherine will remain a prominent figure in the South East netball community, and we look forward to seeing her at community, national, and international competitions for years to come.

For more about Catherine’s achievements, please [read her timeline here].