New PIAA president Ross Black has sensationally resigned from his role and from the Board only 16 days after stepping into the position.
His 16-day presidency is the shortest term in the PIAA's 170-year history.
Black – who is the commercial manager of BJ Ball in his day job – is the fourth member of the nine person Board to resign since December, and the second president. He follows Susan Heaney, David Leach and Stephen Edwards out of the door.
His resignation came shortly after penning a robust defence of the Association in a letter to industry members yesterday, in the light of the tumultuous events of the past few months.
The embattled PIAA confirms deputy president Kieran May will step into the role as acting president until the board is able to find a suitable replacement, presumably after the momentous SGM slated to take place next Tuesday, February 23.
Black had taken over the position after former president David Leach’s sudden resignation last month, and had served his tenure for only just over two weeks.
Only yesterday Black sent a message to members defending the PIAA from claims of ‘mass exodus’ of PIAA staff, saying industry chatter was ‘painting a false picture’ of the association.
According to the PIAA, Black cites his presidency as ‘no longer tenable’ and says he has ‘competing priorities’ due to his role as commercial manager at BJ Ball in Victoria. Resigned board members Susan Heaney and Stephen Edwards and ex-president David Leach cited similar reasons for their departures.
Black’s departure runs on the coat tails of CEO Jason Allen’s abrupt exit from the association yesterday, despite stating he would remain in his role until April.
“I would like to thank all of you who have supported me and wish the PIAA well through this difficult period,” says Black.
“I encourage all members of the PIAA to vote in the upcoming SGM, taking into consideration the many successes that we have had in the past year since announcing the new business plan. I urge you to continue to help us and support us to achieve our vision.
“It’s important to remember that the Association must change to survive, including cutting its cloth in order to create national fairness. As with all businesses in these challenging economic times, these changes can arouse uncertainty however, without change, we cannot grow. And we need to grow to solidify our future.
“This is not a decision that I have come to easily, and wish the very best for the Association.”
Interim CEO Bill Healey says, “We are saddened by the circumstances that have led to Ross Black’s resignation however we wish him well. As an Association our focus must remain on continuing to implement our business plan and work towards finishing off a strong 2015-16 year.”
In his letter yesterday Black issued a robust defence of the Association, pointing to record numbers of new members, a profit set to be in excess of $200,000, a major new sponsor, an improved retention rate for existing members, and the release of equity following the sale of its headquarters. He says, “This is all evidence that the business plan is working.”
The association has hit back at claims it is going through a ‘mass exodus’ of staff, stating it as ‘simply incorrect’. Black says, “Mel Ireland and others were offered a position aligned to the new strategy of the PIAA, however they declined the offer.”
In a pointed message aimed at Queensland members Black calls on members to understand that ‘we are a national organisation, and we will act in a manner that is fair for all members nationwide’.
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