After almost 18 years with Basketball Queensland (BQ), Graham Burns will step down as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in 2022, leaving behind a legacy of sustained growth and financial stability.
Since taking on the top job in 2005, Mr. Burns’ tenure has seen participant numbers grow from 15,000 to 60,000, catapulting basketball into a top five participation sport in Queensland.
“Basketball Queensland is in the position it is today because of Graham’s tremendous leadership,” said BQ Chief Operating Office Joshua Pascoe.
“On behalf of myself and all of the staff past and present I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the support and mentorship that Graham has provided.
“I look forward to building upon the platform Graham has set for BQ to be successful into the future.”
Under Mr. Burns’ guidance, BQ has also seen advancements and reform in a number of key areas, including a high-performance restructure that is now emulated across numerous States and Territories, updating the format of the QBL to ensure the leagues survival and the introduction of the BQ Indigenous Pathways Program, to name a few.
His acumen for sports administration and leadership has long been noticed outside of our basketball community as well, with Mr. Burns picking up the 2015 QSport Administrator of the Year award at the annual QSport Awards.
“On behalf Basketball Australia, I’d like to add my congratulations to Graham on his time at, and contribution to, BQ,” said Basketball Australia Chair John Carey.
“The organisation has greatly benefitted from his stewardship, and he leaves very large shoes to fill.
“My time on the BQ board was made much easier as a result of Graham’s astute leadership and knowledge of major issues that impact the sport.”
Mr Burns will continue in the role of CEO until Friday, 7 January 2022. After an extensive recruitment and selection process, the BQ Board has appointed Joshua Pascoe to step into the CEO role.
