Michael Henderson announces retirement

Hockey WA would like to extend its thanks and gratitude to outgoing President Michael Henderson, who announced his retirement from the Hockey WA Board at Hockey WA’s General Meeting on 4 November.

During his two-year Presidency, Henderson oversaw a significant number of achievements and improvements, in particular navigating the organisation through an incredibly challenging COVID-19-affected period. He oversaw the process to appoint Hockey WA’s new CEO as well as contributed to the organisation’s brand strategy which has seen a lift in the sport’s profile. Importantly, Henderson's future-focused vision has led to in-principle support from the WA Government towards retaining the National High Performance Program and increased state hockey infrastructure in WA.

Henderson, a Finalist in the 2021 Western Australian of the Year Awards (Professions Awards category), also played a pivotal role in the building of a strong corporate and engaged Board, effectively delivering a succession plan for the future of hockey in WA.

Henderson has been replaced as Hockey WA President by former Vice President Katie Flanagan.

“Michael has brought tremendous energy, passion and vision to the role of President at Hockey WA and we are incredibly grateful for his sizeable contribution,” incoming President Flanagan says.

“We wish Michael and his family the best of luck and ask the hockey community to join us in thanking Michael for his tremendous contribution.”

Henderson said he leaves with great memories and would not be lost to the sport.

“I am proud to say on the back of these accomplishments that it is time for me to retire from the Board of Hockey WA and to hand over the Presidency to my Vice President Katie Flanagan,” he says.

“It is at this juncture that I would like to sincerely thank my friends and colleagues who have backed me through this journey.

“It is my plan to remain an ambassador to hockey in Western Australia and Australia. This retirement will also give me time to return to another sport I love, open wheel racing cars, and to devote more time to my beautiful family and diverse business and philanthropic interests.

“I wish Katie, CEO Fabian Ross, and the Board of Hockey WA great success, acknowledging and appreciating the comradery and support I have received over the past couple of years from our extended hockey family.”

Flanagan, who joined the Hockey WA Board in August 2020, has extensive hockey knowledge, with in-depth experience developing sports strategy, coordinating sports programs, running competitions and managing elite performance. Her professional career spans research management, international relations and diplomacy, government sporting agencies and local sporting and community organisations. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and a Fellow of Leadership Western Australia.

Click here for Michael Henderson's letter