Change at the top for Bradford Dragons
​Bradford Dragons Basketball Club have announced changes to their boardroom structure, with the installation of a new Chairperson and Financial Director.
The vacant Chair's position came about when acting Chairman, Steven Valentine stepped down from the role. Announcing his resignation, Valentine commented, "My term of office has come to a close. I was only ever going to stay as acting Chairman until the end of the season. The team has had a good year, both on and off the court. We made the play-offs in the nationals and we're in a good place for the start of the new season in September, having retained a core of excellent players. Last season's two Americans (Ricky Fetske and Marcus Gooding) are both returning and we're in the process of strengthening the squad. We are going to be the team that everyone else has to beat if they want to do well in the top flight of English Basketball. I will still be very much involved as Club Secretary and I am very much looking forward to the Dragons winning more games, whilst also having more time to support all our junior squads."
The club's Director of Fundraising and Sponsorship, Joanne (Jo) Addie steps up to the role of Chairperson, alongside her existing responsibilities. Having previously held roles at SportsAid Yorkshire and Humberside, with extensive practice in running a regional charity, she brings with her a wealth of experience, knowledge, and connections to national governing bodies in sport, which will be a fantastic asset to the club moving forward.
In a brief statement, the new incumbent stated, "I am delighted to be taking up the post of Chairperson at the Bradford Dragons. Though I know there will be some challenges ahead of us, I am sure that the team we have in place can work well together and excel off the court."
Addie becomes the fourth holder of the Chair in the last twelve months. The Club's founder, Stuart Culliford resigned from the role at the end of the 2015/16 season, following 14 seasons at the helm and having steered the club from its Bradford League roots into the National League Division One. Culliford's replacement, Deborah Krajniewski stepped down, for personal reasons, only months into her tenure, leading to Valentine taking up the reins on a temporary basis.
Meanwhile, the club have also appointed Matthew Carter to the position of Financial Director. Carter brings with him considerable experience of finance within charitable organisations, providing the club with additional expertise, following the recent registration of the Bradford Dragons Community Foundation, which seeks to provide opportunities to the wider community through the delivery of various Basketball based initiatives, targeting all ages, throughout Bradford and the surrounding areas.