Our Board

The Capital Athletics Board plays a central role in guiding the direction of the sport across the ACT. Board members are drawn from our athletics community and beyond, selected through a mix of member election and targeted appointment to ensure the right balance of experience, skills and perspective. This approach supports thoughtful decision-making, strong governance and long-term sustainability, while keeping the Board connected to the people and clubs it serves. The current Board bring a range of professional expertise and involvement in the sport to their roles:

James Lennane - President

James has an MBA from the University of Canberra and has extensive experience in financial management and community sports leadership. With over a decade of executive roles in the Australian Public Service, overseeing billion-dollar programs such as NewStart and Youth Allowance, he also brings fiveyears of experience as Financial Controller for Gumnut Dance. A former long-term Treasurer of Corroboree Athletics', James has expertise managing budgets from $15,000 to $6 billion. An Australian Athletics Level 3 Performance Coach and the 2023-24 Community Coach of the Year, he is dedicated to advancing athletics in the ACT. His prior Board experience includes roles on the Social Security Litigation Committee and City Edge Limited.

Karen Billington - Director

Karen is a passionate advocate for community sport and an avid trail runner, ocean swimmer, and road cyclist. Over the past five years, she has been actively involved with Woden Thunder Athletics, assisting with registrations and supporting young athletes as an Age Manager. Her deep connection to the ACT athletics community, combined with her extensive leadership experience in governance, finance, and strategic planning, makes her an invaluable addition to the Board.

Professionally, Karen has spent more than 20 years in management consulting and strategic growth. She has also held various governance roles across community organisations, demonstrating her strong commitment to building sustainable and inclusive sporting communities. She believes in the power of sport to foster resilience, connection, and wellbeing, and we’re excited to have her bring that passion to Capital Athletics.

Paul Carr - Director

Paul brings over 30 years of business leadership and financial management experience, with expertise in governance, strategic planning, and IT systems. A qualified accountant and former CPA, Paul has managed budgets and teams across various industries, including the public service and construction. In athletics, he has served as a committee member and life member of Mingara Regional Athletics Club, as well as a seven-year member of the ANSW Competition Advisory Panel. A sprint and hurdles coach, qualified official, and 2024 National Masters gold medallist, Paul is dedicated to advancing athletics and has experience in organisational mergers and program development.

Jordan Cowley - Director

Jordan is an officer in the Royal Australian Air Force with more than 15 years experience in leadership, aviation operations, training, and capability development. In his current role, he provides strategic advice and support to senior Defence leaders whilst realising the introduction of a new capability into service. He holds qualifications in science, coaching, and management.

Jordan has experience as an athlete, volunteer, and club committee member in multiple states, reflecting a long-standing connection to the sport. Since joining the ACT athletics community with North Canberra–Gungahlin Athletics, he has been inspired by the passion and support shown across all levels. He is committed to applying his participant's perspective as well as professional experience in leadership, policy and systems thinking to support the governance and sustainable growth of athletics in the ACT."

Tara McIntosh - Director

Tara previously was the Marketing and Public Relations Director of Little Athletics ACT. Since her election in 2021, Tara has made a valuable contribution to her portfolio including the primary school challenge, pre-season marketing and arranging radio coverage of our sport. Tara along with other directors from both organisations worked on the Capital Athletics Strategic Framework. Tara is also a member of the Lanyon Little Athletics Centre.

Outside of athletics Tara works in the Commonwealth Public Service in the Digital/Communications space.

Julia Stevens - Director

Julia is an experienced senior executive with more than 20 years’ experience in the health technology sector and currently serves as Global Chief Operating Officer of an ASX-listed company, with responsibility for global customer delivery, legal, IT, cybersecurity, and organisational risk. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a Master of International Law and an Honours degree in Computer Science from the Australian National University. Julia brings extensive board and governance experience, having served on the Little Athletics ACT Board during the ACT unification process, as well as the Board of Triathlon ACT. A long-time member of the ACT athletics community through Corroboree Athletics, she combines a strong understanding of sport pathways with deep operational and risk management expertise to support effective governance and sustainable participation in athletics.

Chloe Hosking - Appointed Director

Chloe is a Commonwealth Games gold medallist and seasoned professional cyclist with over 14 years of international competition experience. A multiple stage winner in events like the Tour de France Femmes and Giro Rosa, Chloe is renowned for her leadership, determination, and advocacy for equality in sport, particularly women’s cycling. Alongside her athletic career, Chloe completed a Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) in 2015 and a Juris Doctor in 2024, and she was admitted to legal practice in August 2024.

Currently a Policy Officer for Women’s Football at FIFPRO, Chloe advocates for player rights and contributes to advancing the women’s game globally. She previously gained extensive experience at Synergy Group, where she led the firm’s sports governance service and supported organisations in governance, safeguarding, and integrity matters. Chloe’s grit and passion for driving change across sport, law, and business make her a dynamic and inspiring contributor to any board.

Vanessa Low OAM - Appointed Director

Vanessa Low OAM is one of Australia’s most accomplished para-athletes and a respected figure in international athletics. A Paralympic gold medallist and multiple World Champion in the long jump (T61), she has represented Australia at the highest level, setting world records and consistently performing on the global stage.

Beyond competition, Vanessa is a strong advocate for inclusion, athlete wellbeing, and the growth of para-sport. She brings valuable insight into high-performance environments, athlete pathways, and international sport systems.