Our Board
DSANZ is guided by a Board representing experience from across the disability sport and recreation sector.
Our Board brings together governance, community sport, disability sport and organisational experience to help guide the direction of DSANZ and support a strong national network.
Sian Ruth
DSANZ Chairperson
Sian has been Chairperson of ParaFed Canterbury since 2012, having first become involved in Para sport through her daughters’ participation in Para swimming. A Chartered Accountant, she has a particular interest in governance and financial management and is also a Board Member of Paralympics New Zealand and the Oceania Paralympic Committee.
Bryce McFall
Deputy Chairperson
Bryce is currently Chairperson of ParaFed Bay of Plenty and a former farmer who became tetraplegic following an accident in 2002. His own experiences highlighted the barriers disabled people face in accessing sport. He brings extensive governance and community experience and is passionate about creating more inclusive opportunities for people to be active and involved in their communities.
Nigel Finnerty
Nigel is a Southlander, business owner and father to Cooper, who lives with cerebral palsy. Through Cooper's involvement in sport, Nigel has seen the difference participation and opportunity can make for disabled people and their whānau. He brings experience in governance, business leadership, strategy and community organisations, with a strong commitment to strengthening the disability sport and recreation sector across Aotearoa.
Cathy Wooller
Cathy has been involved in disability sport and community recreation for the past eight years through her role with ParaFed Waikato. She brings experience in sport development, programme delivery, and partnerships to the role, with a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities within disability sport and the importance of collaboration across the sector.
Ian Macdonald
Ian has been the Executive Officer of ParaFed Bay of Plenty since April 2016. Prior to this, he held a range of executive positions across community services, infrastructure development and environmental management. Ian holds a Master of Public Policy from Victoria University.
