Essendon Football Club has received four nominations for the two available elected positions for the Board ahead of the 2013 Annual General Meeting to be held on 16 December.
In accordance with the club’s constitution, a ballot will now be held to fill the two elected director positions available on the Board.
In order of appearance, as determined by lot, under the direction of the Returning Officer, the names of the four nominees are:
Simon Madden
Rob Harwood
Phil Pryor
Vito Guzzardi
The two candidates receiving the highest number of votes will be elected to the Board for a three year term.
This year, at the approval of the Board, we are conducting an electronic voting process for the casting of the member ballot. For members without computer access, postal voting procedures will remain available by contacting returning officer staff on 1800 151 846
Voting commences on Monday 25 November 2013 and closes at 5:30pm on Monday 9 December 2013.
We strongly encourage you to participate in this democratic process and show your ongoing support for your club.
Please find information about the candidates (in order of appearance) below:
Simon Madden
As a Past Player, Life Member and Essendon Hall of Fame Inductee I have always cherished my time at the Essendon Football Club. With my involvement in Club Coteries and my occasional time as Ruck Coach I have continued to keep a strong connection to the club.
On many occasions I have been approached by people at all levels of the club to nominate for board selection. Previously I have declined as my family was growing up and I had a number of involvements that would preclude me from providing the attention and service such a position needs.
Now with grown adult children, time spent on the AFL Players Association Board and seventeen years in business, I believe I have the time and experience to assist the Club.
Recent times have been tough for the?club but with 2013 behind us and the establishment of the High Performance Centre, I believe the future looks bright?and success is within sight. I would like to commit my time and energy to helping the Club become as strong as it has ever been. I look forward to your support and will endeavour to represent the club to the best of my ability.
Rob Harwood
A long serving Essendon member with 13 years as an EFC volunteer (including 6 years on the Essendonian Committee and 5 as President), I would be honored to serve on the Board of Essendon Football Club.
We recognise that the past 18 months have been difficult for all, as we strive to adopt best practice governance models?(a challenge facing all sporting clubs). With my professional experience in establishing governance frameworks (both within and outside the sporting arena), I believe my expertise would be a valuable adjunct to the skills of the current Board as we work together to improve EFC both on and off the field.
I am fully supportive of all coaching staff appointments and to recent changes made to fiscal and governance frameworks which will ensure the future success of EFC.
In my experience within EFC, I have built invaluable relationships with the current administration, past and present players.?I also understand how critical our members are (from cheer squad to corporate) to the ongoing success of EFC and would appreciate your support as a Board member.
For further details on my experience please visit my LinkedIn profile at http://au.linkedin. com/pub/rob-harwood/47/700/61?or contact me on 0418 322 424.
Phil Pryor
When elected to the EFC Board my commitment was to do all in my power to make the Club stronger and successful on the field. The Football Department and team is now fully resourced within the new elite High Performance Centre.
In 2013 EFC won 14 games, achieved membership of 56k, introduced a new VFL team that played finals.
We share a common desire – to see EFC playing successful finals football.
My EFC connections go back 40 years – lived and attended Essendon Grammar. Brother Geoff played in the 1965, 1968 Grand Final teams. I played in EFC Reserves and U19s teams and senior cricket – ECC. As Marketing Manager at NUBRIK, I was heavily involved as the Sponsor during the successful 1980’s
I have senior management and Director experience > 30 years in Australia and Asia.
I am a Fellow, Institute of Company Directors.
In my work for EFC I have served on the audit committee, a convenor of the Collins St Dons and a First XVIII donor to the new HPC.
In these difficult times we need stability and focus on future EFC strategic planning.
I would really appreciate your support at the 2013 Board elections.
Mobile 0419 342 457. Or phillip@impartnerships.com.au
Vito Guzzardi
Dear Members and Supporters,
As a candidate for this year’s election,?I intend to provide a fresh and vital perspective to the control of this football club that we all love.
I have over 20 years experience in quality assurance where quality of results, regulatory compliance, financial constraints and customer service are all equally and critically important.
My experience in regulated environments would be an advantage in a situation where greater control and compliance are required.
As an Essendon member for 21 years?and a resident of the Tullamarine area,?I believe I can provide a local point of view, with the clubs recent move to the High Performance Centre.
I also believe supporters of all levels need more input into how their football club?is managed and where their membership money is being spent.
With the many changes occurring at the Essendon Football Club, it is time for?a change in the make up of the board. Finance, marketing and sponsorship are no longer enough. A new compliance and supporter focus is also required. I believe I am capable of providing that experience.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at vitguz@optusnet.com.au for further details.
Warm Regards, Vito Guzzardi.
