CEO update – A message from the President

Dear Members,

It is with mixed emotions that I tell you that our CEO, Damien Marangon, will be leaving Surf Life Saving South Australia in June, after seven years in the role.

While we are so sad to see him go, we are also incredibly proud of him and what he has achieved, and we look forward to seeing what he does next.

Damien joined us at an important point in our movement’s journey. His leadership has played a significant role in strengthening our organisation and positioning Surf Life Saving South Australia as a high-performing and well-regarded operation, both at a state and national level.

He has been an exemplary, courageous and values-driven leader who is highly respected by his team, the SLSSA Board, our Clubs, and across the national movement.

In Damien’s tenure as SLSSA CEO, we have navigated significant crises, including the pandemic and the algal bloom, and we have come out of them stronger, with new learnings and resilience – and even new funding.

Speaking of which, we are now in an exemplary financial position. Our funding sources are more diversified – while government funding remains critical, we now have a broader and more sustainable mix of revenue, including new sponsors.

We have outstanding working relationships with our key stakeholders, including our Ministers and government departments, sponsors and partners.

With the Board, Damien led the development of our strategic plan, which is genuinely leading the movement in its focus on member experience and making things easier for our volunteers.

As well as sound strategy, he’s also delivered operational excellence. The team at Surf House is now structured to better support our clubs and volunteers – and that focus on volunteers and clubs is continuing to increase.

Transition period

From a practical perspective, Damien will continue in the role until mid-June. We will appoint one of our current General Managers as Acting CEO to ensure a smooth transition, while we go to market for a permanent replacement. The Board will maintain close oversight to provide continuity.

We will be appointing an executive search firm to support the recruitment of a new CEO, and we will be inviting a Club President to join the recruitment panel, alongside two board members.

While Damien will be difficult to replace, this will also provide an opportunity for an outstanding, experienced CEO to join us and bring new insights and perspective to the next phase of South Australian surf life saving.

I ask for your support during this transitional period, as we remain focused on ensuring our core business is undertaken professionally, as well as supporting our members and communities.

Thank you

On a personal note, I would like to thank Damien not only for being an incredible CEO at a critical time, but also for his support of me. We have enjoyed a very productive and collegiate Chair-CEO working relationship over the past three years and I am proud of what we have achieved.

It’s always hard to leave, but the best time to leave is when things are going well, and Damien is certainly doing that!

I know you will join me in thanking Damien and acknowledging his contribution, as well as wishing him, Emma and their family all the very best for what comes next.

Yours in surf,
Sarah Cutbush - SLSSA President