Swim England nominated directors Joan and Sara join Aquatics GB Board

Two new Swim England nominated directors have been appointed to the Aquatics GB Board.

Joan Wheeler and Sara Todd have replaced long-standing Swim England representatives Keith Ashton and Jane Nickerson.

A current member of the Swim England Board who has also taken on the role of Chair of the national governing body’s Sport Operations Committee, Joan boasts a depth of experience in the world of aquatics.

She was Chair of the Board of the Swim England East region for nine years, is a qualified swimming referee and regularly contributes as a volunteer at a range of club, county and regional competitions.

Joan, who is a qualified project manager who previously worked in a range of governance and policy development roles, said: “I am delighted to join the Aquatics GB Board at this time. 

“Our teams across the aquatic sports are performing well on the international stage, and it is particularly exciting to see that the programmes that have been put in place by Swim England to develop artistic swimming, water polo and diving at club, regional and national level are translating into success at elite level. 

“I look forward to being part of the Board that will strive for greater success leading to the LA Olympics and Paralympics, and beyond.

“Having been involved in aquatics at a club, county, regional and national level for more than 25 years, I look forward to bringing experiences from the grassroots of the sport to the Board. 

Play important roles

“The aquatics community is varied and widespread and it is important that we work together to achieve better outcomes for current and future members, as well as the wider community.”

Sara is an experienced procurement expert and executive coach whose career has seen her work in the automotive, food and FMCG industries, helping to support organisational change and collaboration with external partners.

She is a qualified swimming referee, Chair of the Board of the Swim England South East region and is passionate about diversity, inclusion and equity within aquatics. 

Sara said: “I am very honoured to be appointed to the Aquatics GB Board. It is always a privilege to be part of a team supporting athletes. 

“I look forward to bringing my international business acumen and aquatic leadership experience at club and regional level to help drive further success.”

Karen Webb Moss, Aquatics GB Chair, said: “I am delighted to welcome Sara and Joan to our Board. 

“Both have enjoyed impressive careers, outside of our sport and within the aquatics environment. 

“We know they will play important roles and bring strong contributions as we continue to work towards positive development, in the performance arena and beyond.

“I would also like to thank Keith and Jane for the support, insight and service they have both shown throughout their terms on the Board, and wish them the best for the future.”