We are delighted to announce the four new additions to our Board of Directors! 

A skills review of the Board of Directors took place in early 2024 and it was identified there were particular skills sets required in order to assist with the continued development the Association.  These additional skill sets would ensure the delivery of positive change across Devon County FA, which would in turn benefit our Devon Football Family.

Following our recruitment and interview processes, we welcome Dan Cole, Donna Burns, James Greenacre, and Chris Broadbent to our Board. 

Chris French, CEO explained, “The quality of applications we received were extremely high, and it was a very difficult process to shortlist the candidates for interview.  It was even more challenging to make the final decision of which person to appoint from those who were interviewed!

The selection of these four individuals reflects the Association's commitment to driving positive change throughout the County in the upcoming years. It underscores Devon County FA's firm dedication to pursuing excellence.

I am really looking forward to working with Dan, Donna, James and Chris, developing our business and grassroots football across the County.”

We are proud to introduce the new members on Devon County FA's Board.

Introducing our new Directors;

DONNA BURNS - PEOPLE DIRECTOR 

Donna will bring to our Board over 30 years of international executive experience from across wealth management, investment and retail banking, asset management and manufacturing sectors. 

Donna is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Professional Development (FCIPD) and has a wealth of experience in Human Resources. 

While Donna has limited experience of grassroots football, she has over the years and still continues to watch her son play grassroots football.  She is an avid football fan and is a Chelsea FC season ticket holder!

Commenting on her appointment, Donna said, “I am delighted to be able to support Chris French and his team at Devon County FA with its ambitious plans along with a great Board led by John Street”

JAMES GREENACRE - BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

James has 18 years of experience within professional sport and having recently changed sector, he is keen to give something back to an industry that has played a key part in his development.  James is currently the Director of External Affairs for Theatre Royal Plymouth.  Alongside this, James is also a director of Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce having been elected by the members of the Chamber.

James enjoys sailing and cycling and is a proud father to two young daughters who he brings up in the South West with his wife, in an area they are delighted to call home.

James explains, “Having been involved with the beautiful game for 18 years, I am delighted to be able to give something back to the game that's given me so much. I'm looking forward to helping shape the strategy for grassroots football across Devon, as we look to enhance lives through football.”

DAN COLE - MARKETING AND PR DIRECTOR

Dan has substantial experience in communications, public relations and reputation management in professional sport.

Alongside freelance communications work for sporting organisations at regional, national and international level, Dan spent five years at Plymouth Argyle and currently works for a global sporting body, the International Tennis Integrity Agency, as Communications Manager.

A Devon resident with a young family, Dan has a passion for grass-roots sport and its power to enact social mobility and improve health outcomes.

Dan said, “I’m really pleased to be joining the Board at Devon County FA at an important time for the organisation.

I hope to be able to have an impact on the delivery of Devon County FA’s new strategy by supporting the executive in telling our story. I am a firm believer in sport's power to enhance lives - I have experienced it myself, having been a fortunate beneficiary of a career in the industry.

It is exciting to join an organisation with such a strong purpose, and I look forward to playing my own small part in the growth of the game in the county.”

CHRIS BROADBENT - CO-OPTED BOARD CHAMPION FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Chris is joining the Board as a Co-opted champion for Sustainability.  He brings a breadth of skills and knowledge acquired from 25 years across marketing, media and communications in sport and leisure, regionally, nationally and internationally.

Chris is adept at working at all levels of sports and more recently at community level, he is the founder and CEO of sustainable sports charity Planet Earth Games.

Chris is a passionate follower of grass roots football in Devon, supporting his son’s U11 team, whilst regularly attending senior men’s games at Bovey Tracey FC and Buckland FC.

Chris comments, "I am delighted to be joining Devon County FA in this role, combining my passions for grass roots sport and sustainability. There is nothing quite like football for bringing people together and uniting communities, which is exactly what is needed to take meaningful climate action. I look forward to supporting Devon County FA and its fantastic network of affiliated clubs towards a greener and healthier future."

For full details and biography of each new appointment, please click here.