New GM Operations appointed

After a rigorous recruitment process, Rowing WA is delighted to announce the appointment of Stacey Francis-Bayman to the team, taking on the role of General Manager – Operations, following the recent departure of Nick Wakeford.

Stacey is no stranger to the sporting landscape, having been involved as an elite athlete and administrator since 2005. Stacey played at the highest level of netball for nearly 2 decades, representing England from 2005-2022 and WA’s own West Coast Fever from 2016-2022. She has also worked for a range of sporting organisations in sport development and media & comms roles across netball, cycling, other non-profit and for profit companies. She most recently dealt with the academic elite, coordinating UWA’s Prestigious Scholarships program for the past few years and is currently a board member for World Netball, championing diversity and inclusion.

Stacey’s breadth of leadership, programming and pathway experience, both as an athlete and sport administrator will be a huge asset to rowing in Western Australia as the sport builds upon the successful growth in participation over the past few years.

Rowing WA CEO Daniel Tackenberg said “We are extremely excited to have Stacey join the Rowing WA team and start working closely with the clubs and other stakeholders to continue the strong growth of the sport in WA. Her obvious leadership capability, passion for sport development and work ethic will only see the sport go from strength to strength over the coming years. Stacey also brings a range of skills which will enhance the current staff capabilities and support we can offer clubs, rowers and other stakeholders”.

He added “It would remiss of me not to mention the amazing contribution of Nick Wakeford over the past 18 months. Nick’s deep understanding and passion for rowing underpinned an amazing period of growth for the sport. The collaboration that he drove through the Pennant Regatta Participation Working Group throughout 2024 was a true feather in his cap, which has lead to meaningful and evidence-based changes for the 2025 regatta program that are already returning participation increases. We wish Nick all the best and expect that he will never be too far away from the water’s edge”.

Stacey will commence in her new role on Monday 7 July.