Appointment of Stephen Porter AO as Chair of the EA High Performance Panel

Equestrian Australia (EA) is delighted to announce the appointment of Stephen Porter AO as Chair of EA’s High Performance (HP) Panel following an extensive selection process. 

“Stephen is an excellent candidate to fill this very important role, and he’s very keen to start working with the committee and the broader High Performance team.” Said EA Chair, Mark Bradley.

Stephen will work closely with the EA Board, management, the AIS, AOC, FEI and other stakeholders to drive outcomes of the High Performance program.  He joins and will lead an experienced HP panel that has overseen some outstanding results over the last decade.

Stephen is currently the CEO of St Johns QLD and has served in the military, retiring as a major general.  He has had CEO and CFO experience in the education sector, where he has led diverse workforces focused on delivering financial sustainability; ensuring good governance and cultural and structural reform.  He also has several Director roles, including as the Chair of Reason to Thrive - a charity using equine-assisted learning activities to support those experiencing disadvantage, disability, mental illness and domestic violence.

“I look forward to supporting High Performance to drive the program to success on the international stage.  I am also passionate on ensuring we have a strong focus on talent identification, inclusion and strengthening the foundations in our pathways. This is so important from our incredible group of emerging riders,” said Porter.  

“I am really looking forward to working not just with the EA team and Board, but our riders and their teams, to build sustainable success and ensure they have both world class programs and a great experience as part of that.”

EA welcomes Stephen and is looking forward to him joining us, as we embark on a critical and exciting period for our sport over the next few years.