NSW Athletics Appoints Darren Simpson as General Manager – Community
Published Wed 03 Jun 2026
NSW Athletics is pleased to announce the appointment of Darren Simpson as General Manager – Community, a significant investment in strengthening how the sport supports clubs, volunteers and participants across New South Wales.
The appointment marks an important step in NSW Athletics’ continued commitment to grassroots athletics and reflects the organisation’s focus on building stronger community connections, more capable clubs, and a more consistent and supportive experience for members across the state.
Darren brings more than 25 years of senior executive experience across the sport sector, most recently serving as Chief Executive Officer of Tennis NSW. Throughout his career, he has led large-scale participation and pathways systems, overseen major events, and delivered governance, operational and financial reform across a range of sporting organisations.
As General Manager – Community, Darren will lead a newly established senior executive portfolio responsible for shaping and strengthening how athletics is experienced at community level across New South Wales. The role will provide strategic leadership across participation growth, membership and affiliation, club development, education, inclusion, integrity, supporting more than 50,000 participants and over 220 affiliated clubs statewide.
Importantly, the role will work closely with clubs, volunteers, coaches, officials and families to strengthen club capability, improve member experiences, and ensure participants across metropolitan and regional communities are supported through high-quality programs, services and pathways.
NSW Athletics CEO Christian Renford said the appointment reflected the organisation’s long-term commitment to investing in community athletics and supporting the people who underpin the sport.
“Our clubs, volunteers and local communities are the backbone of athletics in New South Wales, and Darren’s appointment reflects the importance we place on supporting grassroots athletics,” Renford said.
“This is an important investment in ensuring clubs and participants are well supported and that athletics continues to grow in communities right across the state.
“Darren brings significant experience in community sport and understands what it takes to build strong clubs, grow participation and support volunteers. We are excited to have him join NSW Athletics and help shape the next chapter of athletics in NSW.”
Further strengthening the Community team are the recent appointments of Krystal Maytom as Development Officer – Riverina & Central West and Sharyn Dickson as Development Officer – Sydney Metro & South Coast. These appointments expand NSW Athletics’ capacity to provide local support to clubs and communities, ensuring stronger connections and more consistent service delivery across both metropolitan and regional New South Wales.
NSW Athletics looks forward to welcoming Darren to the organisation on 21 July and to the continued growth and strengthening of athletics communities across the state.
