Surfing Queensland 2013 Annual General Report 2013 | Page 10

STAFF

SCOTT GILLIES

KATE UNDERWOOD

ADAM YATES

Scott Gillies began working with Surfing
Queensland in 2006, assisting on several
major events during breaks whilst undertaking
tertiary study at Griffith University. Employment
positions held previously in various industries
provided Scott with a well-rounded professional
portfolio. His introduction into the inner
workings of Surfing Queensland’s operations
ignited Scott’s passion to work within the surf
industry and at the beginning of 2007; Scott
assumed the role of Events Manager for Surfing
Queensland where he gained vast experience in
event management, marketing, promotion and
business relations.

Kate Underwood commenced her employment
with Surfing Queensland in 2009 in the role of
Office Manager. Kate’s knowledge and work
ethic saw her quickly progress into the role of
Operations Manager, the position she still holds
today. Kate holds a Certificate IV in Financial
Services and has a professional background in
hospitality and operations within the not-forprofit sector.

Adam joined the Surfing Queensland team in
early 2010 as Surfing Queensland’s Events
Manager. Prior to commencing with Surfing
Queensland Adam held a number of roles
in sales and account management after
completing his business degree in 2003. Since
joining Surfing Queensland, Adam has become
an integral component of the management
structure of the organisation. Adam’s portfolio
is vast and includes the organisation and
activation of over 30 events each year, ranging
from grassroots programs through the sport’s
elite level.

Scott was responsible for the organisation and
activation of the Quiksilver & Roxy Pro, Breaka
Burleigh Pro, several Pro Junior events and a
host of Queensland state qualification events
during his time as Events Manager. Since May
2010, Scott has been performing in the role
of Chief Executive Officer, presiding over all
aspects of the organisation’s business activities,
including events, media, education and training
initiatives, sponsorship acquisition and financial
aspects of the business.
Scott is passionate about the sport of surfing
and his mandate is to provide the very best
opportunities for anyone who wants to be
involved at any level in the sport of surfing.

10 – SURFING QUEENSLAND ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Kate’s experience spans across a variety of
areas including administration, accounts,
payroll, sporting events and functions. Kate’s
skills were easily adaptable to all facets within
Surfing Queensland and she is an integral
component in Surfing Queensland operations.
Hailing from a small coastal town, Kate also
has an interest and knowledge of the surfing
industry. More broadly, Kate has a sound
understanding of sports development pathways
thanks to her time at Surfing Queensland
and her background in hockey, in which Kate
competed at state level.

Along with all State based events and programs,
Adam’s main focus is the event management
of the prestigious ASP Quiksilver & Roxy Pro
World Tour events and Adam is also the event
organiser and contest director for the ASP
Breaka Burleigh Pro World Qualifying Series
event. Adam is an avid surfer and waterman and
has surfed in elite level surfing competitions.
He also possesses numerous Australian titles
in Surf Life Saving as part of his sporting
achievements.

BEN WHITMORE
Ben Whitmore started with Surfing Queensland
as the Events and Communications Manager
in early 2013 bringing a wealth of publishing
and media experience along with him. Having
studied Journalism with the Australian College
of Journalism, Ben contributed written and
photographic work to surfing publications around
the world before starting full-time with two of
Australia’s leading surf titles, TRACKS and Waves
Magazines. A Gold Coast base and passion for
surfing and its development, made the decision