RWA Staff

CEO - Daniel Tackenberg

Daniel has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Sport and Exercise Science), an MBA and has completed his AICD Company Directors Course.

He has been working in the sport and recreation industry his whole working life across four different states of Australia in not-for-profit, government and for-profit companies over this time. His diverse knowledge, experience and skillset developed over this period has provided Rowing WA with a great platform for leadership and growth within the sport sector. Daniel commenced with Rowing WA in November 2014.

As CEO, Daniel is responsible for the implementation of the Association’s strategic plan and associated budget. This encompasses all aspects of the sport with much emphasis being placed on growth and development of existing and new programs through the coordination of and collaboration with all rowing stakeholders within the state. He represents West Australian rowing on a variety of national working groups and committees and ensures WA’s interests are considered at the national level.

Daniel manages a small but dedicated team of professional staff who together provide great support to the rowing clubs of Western Australia and drive the ongoing development and evolution of the sport.

General Manager - Operations - René Brovelli

René Brovelli joined Rowing WA in October 2024 as an Inclusion Officer, moving into the role of Member Services Manager in March 2025 and was appointed General Manager – Operations in July 2026. Since joining the organisation, she has played a key role in our inclusion program, member engagement, communications, sport development, event delivery and operational management, working closely with clubs, volunteers, coaches, officials and athletes across Western Australia.

A competitive rower with ANA Rowing Club and a Level 2 Coach, René discovered rowing as a Master and quickly developed a passion for the sport. Her experience as both an athlete and coach, combined with a professional background in business and fitness, provides a strong foundation for supporting the WA rowing community.

René will oversee the Development, Pathways and Events portfolios, along with club support initiatives, marketing and communications implementation, partnership development and targeted organisational projects.

Development Manager - Ellie Madin

Ellie joins Rowing WA with experience across recruitment, human resources, stakeholder engagement, project support and rowing. Her professional background includes end-to-end recruitment and onboarding, client and employee relationship management, compliance, policy and procedure support, and coordinating multiple priorities.

Within rowing, Ellie has served as Captain and previously Secretary of Curtin University Boat Club. She has coordinated regattas and rowing camps, managed club communications and social media, supported coach development, and coached and coordinated athletes across several school rowing programs. Ellie was selected for the Australian Sports Commission’s Women Leaders in Sport Program in 2025 and is a member of the Rowing WA Competitions Committee.

In her role, Ellie will lead member communications across the Rowing WA membership database, website, social media and OarTalk newsletter. She will also oversee coach and official development initiatives, support athlete development programs including Masters rowing, para-rowing and coxswains, and help deliver regattas and off-water events.

Pathways Manager - Lara Glendinning

Lara Glendinning’s has been with Rowing WA since March 2024, her role has evolved from Schools Development Officer to Pathways Manager. School rowing development remains a core focus, while Lara will now more broadly oversee pathways into the sport and performance pathways. This includes supporting transitions from school programs into clubs and managing state teams, pathways, talent identification programs and representative tours.

Events Manager - Conall Hansford

Following 12 months in a casual capacity, Conall Hansford has been appointed full-time as Events Manager. Conall will lead Rowing WA regatta delivery, including season planning, entries, seeding, grading, risk and weather management, along with facility and equipment maintenance management.

Finance and Administration Officer - Leanne Pool

Leanne joined Rowing WA in September 2023. Her background as a qualified accountant, working in schools, and being an active sporting parent makes her the perfect person for this role and we are loving having her in the office. Leanne grew up on a farm down South but moved to Perth for Uni, where she has worked in finance for many years. She spent a lot fo her career working in accounting roles across the mining and oil and gad sectors. She will be able to help you with all your accounts queries!

To contact the team, click here

Key Staff Responsibilities

Name	Position	Responsibilities
Daniel Tackenberg	CEO	Organisational Oversight Strategic and operational planning Financial management HR and WHS oversight Asset Management
René Brovelli	GM Operations	Management: Oversight of Development, Pathways, Events and casual staff Club Support and Development Marketing and Communications Partnerships
Ellie Madin	Development Manager	Member Communications Event Management Coach Development Officials Development Athlete Development
Lara Glendinning	Pathway Manager	School Rowing Development Junior Athlete Development School Engagement Performance Pathways
Conall Hansford	Events Manager	Event Management Regatta Planning Asset Maintenance
Leanne Pool (Mon-Wed only)	Admin and Finance	Financial Management WHS Implementation Office Management
Katina Bowie (casual)	Inclusion Officer	Rowing Radiance Project (grant-funded)
Mark Easterbrook (casual)	Asian Engagement Officer	Asian Engagement Project (grant-funded)