We are delighted to announce that Dr Cathie Mackay has been appointed as the new Independent Chair of Hertfordshire FA

Her appointment follows a rigorous recruitment process led by our Directors and supported by The FA along with specialist recruitment agency Perrett Laver.

Cathie will join us at an exciting time as we continue work to deliver our new 4-year strategy, with ambitious targets to continue to raise standards across the game, improve local facilities and drive growth in participation, helping to ensure everyone in Hertfordshire has access to a safe, fun and inclusive place to play.

With over 20 years leadership, capability and transformation experience gained working with various multinational companies, Cathie will be ideally placed to support and guide the Executive of Hertfordshire FA in shaping a modern and effective organisation that is fit for purpose through this strategic cycle and beyond.

Football has a special place at the heart of our communities, so it is vital for all involved to have confidence in how it is run. The recruitment of the first independent Chair in our 140-year history is part of a wider process of modernisation of our leadership structures, aimed at achieving the highest standard of corporate governance in sport.

A Significant Moment in Our History

Current Chair of Hertfordshire FA Graham Phillips said: “Cathie brings a wealth of knowledge to the role and will be an extremely valuable addition to our team. Her experience in supporting leaders delivering effective change and helping organisations focus their efforts to meet challenging goals is exactly what we were looking for.

We have come a long way in recent years, but there’s more to be done. I’m pleased to be passing the baton on to someone so capable of taking the Association forward”.

Cathie said: “It is an honour to be confirmed as the new Chair of Hertfordshire FA and I am really looking forward to starting the role. Grassroots football has such a positive impact on people’s lives, by bringing them together, supporting their health and wellbeing and teaching vital skills such as teamwork, leadership and confidence.”

The opportunity to get involved and help to ensure these benefits are spread as widely as possible throughout our local communities is one that I am really excited about.”

Hertfordshire FA CEO Karl Lingham said: “This marks an important milestone in the long history of Hertfordshire FA. For grassroots football to continue flourish, it needs effective, modern organisations at every level, with the structures and processes in place to offer the best possible service to the game both now and in the future.

We want to lead by example regarding best practice in governance and this appointment marks another important step along that journey.”

Senior Independent Director Rishi Doshi said: “I am delighted that Cathie will be joining us and we are all really looking forward to working with her. Her leadership and transformation expertise will be invaluable as we continue to strive to raise standards, grow participation, and drive positive change in grassroots football.

This is an exciting step forward for Hertfordshire FA and our commitment to modern governance. I’d also like to thank Graham Phillips, the outgoing Chair, for his hard work and dedication in helping us to reach this significant moment in our history.”