Leigh Russell
Leigh Russell, CEO of Swimming Australia, is an accomplished executive, director and elite sports leader who is passionate about developing the next generation of female leaders.
Graduating with a Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) from the University of Ballarat (now Federation University), Leigh was the first woman to hold a senior executive position within an Australian Football League (AFL) club working across both football and administration. She was also the youngest CEO of Netball Victoria.
During her impressive career, Leigh has worked with athletes, coaches and behind the scenes staff in high-performance environments across Australia.
Widely respected for her work across people and culture, strategy development, and leadership of organisations, Leigh’s executive experience includes Director and Principal Consultant at Inspired Heads where she facilitated the Victorian Government's Taskforce into Women and Girls in Active Sport; Athlete Career Advisor at Hawthorn Football Club; and General Manager, People and Culture at Essendon Football Club.