The Board of Gridiron Australia
The Board of Gridiron Australia is committed to the realisation of the true potential for American Football in Australia. The mission of Gridiron Australia is to provide a strong inclusive framework for the development and growth of the game in Australia. The Board is responsible for setting a clear strategic direction, displaying transparent decision making and providing strong leadership and management. Individuals are elected each year at Gridiron Australia’s Annual General Meeting. In recent years, the Board has also established a National Coaching Director role, formalised national coaching appointments and strengthened junior development.
Bret Mullavey – Chairman
Bret Mullavey was elected to the Gridiron Australia board in 2022.
Bret’s involvement in Gridiron has been a relatively short one, joining his local club the Croydon Rangers in 2019. Since then, he’s held the role of Football Operations and Vice President of the Rangers – overseeing day to day operations of the club, marketing, coaching and onboarding.
Bret joined the Gridiron Victoria board in 2020 and aided the league in relaunching post covid, and spearheaded member engagement, marketing and player onboarding. In a professional capacity, Bret runs his own finance business based out of Melbourne and is passionate about graphic design and photography.
Shaun Dove – Director
Shaun Dove joined the Gridiron Australia Board in 2013.
Shaun started his football career in 1990 with the Northern Territory Gridiron League, initially as a player before becoming one of the founding members of the officiating staff. After a short stint living and officiating in NSW Shaun now resides in ACT and continues to officiate at the state, national, and international level.
Shaun is a software developer and runs his own business producing web software as well as consulting on identity access management and security.
On the board Shaun is currently Secretary and Deputy Chairman, leads the ongoing governance reform of GA, and oversees officiating. Shaun took the leading role in reuniting GV with GA.
Shaun holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and numerous IT industry certifications.
Eddie Kocwa – Director
Eddie Kocwa joined the Gridiron Australia board in 2021.
Eddie played 2 seasons for the Brisbane Rhino’s before joining Southeast Missouri State. He later represented Australia at the 2015 IFAF World Championships. Eddie is currently the Managing Director at BOSSCAP which is a multi-industry company that is rapidly growing with businesses all over Australia. Eddie credits much of his success to his involvement in team sport and joined Gridiron Australia to utilize his business networks to give back to the community.
Michael Kerr – Director
Michael has been involved in Gridiron in Australia in some form since 1990 when he first started playing in the Northern Territory Gridiron League.
Michael has been with the Australian Under 19 Outback Program in various coaching roles since 2010 and has been involved in every tour and camp for the program during that time. He was Team Manager and Chef d’ Mission for the Australian Under 19 team at both their World Championship appearances in China and Mexico.
Outside of gridiron, Michael works at the Executive level in youth services and out of school hours education/care, with a background in business improvement for Not-for-Profit Organisations.
Daniel Noonan – Director
Daniel joined the Gridiron Australia board in 2022.
Daniel studied commerce and computer science at Deakin University Geelong. After leaving University Daniel has worked in Project Management and Sales. He currently works as a Sales Manager in the construction industry.
Daniel played Basketball, AFL and Athletics before taking up American Football at the age of 14. As a player and coach he has more then 20 years experience at a state and national level.
Daniel has been a committee member and President of his local club the Geelong Buccaneers. He was most recently Chairman of Gridiron Victoria before taking up a role with Gridiron Australia.
Cameron Baranski – Director
Cameron was elected to the Gridiron Australia board in 2022.
Cameron’s background has seen him work in senior roles for Adidas, Oakley and Redbull over a 20+ year career in all facets of Marketing. Cameron is currently the CEO of sporting goods start-up Chargeball.
Cameron previously lived in the United States, in particular Texas where he had involvement and exposure to American and Flag Football.
Megan Harris – Director
Megan was appointed to the Gridiron Australia board in 2022.
Megan owns and manages a small boutique consulting business, specialising in Change Management, Stakeholder Engagement and Strategy. Her clients include large sporting organisations and utility companies and has an extensive history in driving change within the oil and gas industry.
Megan comes to us with 7 years Rugby League experience and currently consults at all levels of the game.
She is currently heavily involved in Rugby League within QLD and at the national level. Her board experience has been within not-for-profit sporting organisations and is looking forward to bringing her experience in People, Stakeholder Management, Strategy and Change at a Board level to Gridiron Australia.
Megan volunteers for a not for profit ‘community meal’ in her spare time, cooking for Brisbane’s homeless community.
Ryan Lenegan – Director
Ryan was appointed to the Gridiron Australia board in 2022.
Ryan brings to the sport extensive experience in management roles within Football West, Hockey WA, Griffith University and Australian University Sport. He is currently the CEO of Perth Basketball Association.
He holds a Masters of Sports Management (Bond University) and Batchelor of Journalism (Bond University).
Ryan developed a passion for American Football while on secondment with the NAIA in Kansas City, Missouri,
Erin Lubowicz – Director
Erin was appointed to the Gridiron Australia board in 2022.
Erin has had a lifelong love of gridiron football, including as a volunteer member of the Baltimore Ravens organisation in the US. Professionally, Erin has held leadership roles in four countries and currently works at the Executive level in the public service. Erin brings specialises in strategic planning, governance and regulatory compliance.