New Sports Trust chief announced

A former teacher and chief executive of Surf Life Saving New Zealand, Geoff Barry, has been appointed chief executive of the Canterbury West Coast Sports Trust.

The trust, which includes Sports South Canterbury, said Mr Barry would take up the position on March 22.

Mr Barry comes to the position after nine years as chief executive of Surf Life Saving New Zealand.

Once a dean and teacher of economics at Christchurch Boys' High School, he holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Canterbury, a Christchurch College of Education diploma and a certificate in teaching.

With strong leadership and management skills, and a deep understanding of the sport sector, Mr Barry was considered the ideal applicant for the position, according to board chair Tom Doocey. "He is an excellent communicator with an ability to motivate through setting a positive example, through hard work and commitment." Herald correspondent

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