Photo Credit: South Australian Cricket Association
Joel Cross will succeed Shane Bernhardt as General Manager – Community Cricket. Joel has been selected based on his strong leadership capabilities, specifically his experience in coaching and developing people, his exceptional stakeholder management skills and the vision Joel presented to create a greater connection between Community Cricket and Premier Cricket.
Joel joined SACA in May 2022 in the role of Premier Cricket Manager. Joel hit the ground running and has been a driving force behind the Premier Cricket review and transition into the two-tier competition this season. Joel quickly built relationships both internally and externally with key stakeholders and has been able to use these to drive significant change.
He has also recently been involved in the Junior Cricket review undertaken by the Strategic Cricket Committee. Prior to working for SACA, Joel has had many notable professional achievements that leave him well placed to take on this important role, including having led the Flagstaff Hill Golf Club as the General Manager for almost five years. Joel is also a qualified accountant and has recently completed his MBA.
Away from the office, Joel is an accomplished football player, having been awarded SANFL’s highest honour, the Magarey Medal, on two occasions. However, more than being a talented player, Joel has demonstrated his commitment to giving back to community football through his coaching at South Adelaide FC, Western Districts FC and Sacred Heart Old Collegians FC.
He has spent a significant amount of his personal time coaching, mentoring and developing young players on and off the field. It is this people focused leadership style, among other things, that is one of the great assets Joel will bring to this role leading the Community Cricket team.
CEO of SACA, Charlie Hodgson spoke about the appointment.
“We had many outstanding candidates for the role,” he said. “One of the things I am most excited about as Chief Executive is the vision that Joel presented for creating stronger links between Community and Premier Cricket.
“This will mean that we are able to develop a clear pyramid for cricket in South Australia, inspiring new generations to take up the game and ensuring it becomes an important part of their lives. We have more children playing the game than ever before and we are determined to build on this strong platform.
“Joel has managed large teams with multiple stakeholder relationships in the past and I am sure he will thrive in this role. I am committed to creating a culture of growth and development within SACA and I am excited to have another internal appointment to the Leadership Team. Joel will begin to transition into this role immediately.”
