National Leadership & Governance
Meet our National Executive Committee
Our leadership consists entirely of volunteers responsible for the management & operations of the league
Samantha Ballantyne (she/her)
Chief Finance Officer
Sam manages all aspects of the league’s finances, including the preparing of annual national budgets, reviewing local area season budgets and the league’s end of year financial statements and overseeing membership registration.
Professionally, Sam works as running an accounting Firm.
With a background in start ups and Female AFL, Sam was asked to assist in bringing Kickball to Perth a few years ago and enjoys supporting such a welcoming diverse community.
Jamarr Mills (he/him)
Chief Brand Officer
Jamarr facilitates Emerald City Kickball’s internal and external communications including digital channels, branding materials and collateral design, and media relations. Jamarr focuses on building the Emerald City Kickball brand’s reputation through marketing and public relations programs in collaboration with other Committee members. He acts as the main point of contact for any external press interactions.
Jamarr brings experience working as Asia Pacific VP, Brand Planning at Essence Global where he guides the world’s leading marketers in the best strategies to grow their brands, nurture existing audiences, and identify new opportunities. It’s no wonder his favourite Wizard of Oz character is the Wicked Witch. Pushing her message in skywriting, iconic catchphrase, and even a rebrand with “Wicked”, she’s the original queen of camp marketing!
James E. Shields III (he/him)
Chief Growth Officer
James, known as JES, is responsible for our national outreach and growth plans for the organisation and maintaining satisfaction from our league’s internal stakeholders (captains, players, social chairs, etc.) and external special interest groups (other sports groups, local government, etc.). JES guides strategic messaging, best practice communications, and guiding policy direction in the interest of the league’s various stakeholders. He initiates programs to keep members of our stakeholder engage and interested in the league’s vision, value and opportunities.
JES is an engagement specialist professionally and strategically brings disconnected people together for a common and developmental purpose. His previous roles working within the public sector and international development equally equipped him with technical ways to build something from the grassroots up. Now circuitously, he gets people to play in the grass.
Scott Pineapple (he/him)
Strategic Partnerships Lead
Scott leverages the power of partnerships to accelerate the ECKB mission. Partners enhance the kickball experience with their expertise, safe spaces, content, creativity, reach and more.
Scott drives the growth and sustainability of the ECKB mission by attracting and managing strategic partnerships and sponsorships. He focuses on building high-value alliances that benefit both our members and the organization’s operational goals, ensuring all collaborations align with our core values. Additionally, Scott provides dedicated support to local teams, equipping them with the tools and guidance needed to cultivate and maintain impactful partnerships within their own communities.
Anna Longwood (she/her)
Chief Sports Officer
Anna is responsible primarily for the National Rules, and works closely with the Local Area Sub-Committees Director of Operations to ensure consistency and innovation.
Anna has coached or competed in a large range of sports at local and national level, including sailing, netball, baseball, softball, touch rugby, ballet and rowing (to name a few). Outside of sport, Anna has worked in the regulatory and compliance environment for over 17 years.
Annas down time is usually spent not sitting down. If she's not in the garage restoring her 1968 Morris Mini Deluxe, you’ll usually find her somewhere in the garden, out catching up with friends or getting out of her comfort zone trying something new.
Anna is also a big supporter of mental health, known for finishing any of her kickball speeches with ‘Thank you for getting out of bed today and being here. Please remember: I am enough and you are enough.
Ben Woodlock (he/him)
Chief Events Officer
Ben is responsible for creating and executing large scale national events and projects within the kickball community, such as national and international tournaments, fundraising events and national pride events such as Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade.
Ben has a passion for Design and Self expression, consecutively chairing ECKB’s Mardi Gras project since Sydney WorldPride, receiving various nominations and grants across the years, most recently including the most prestigious award, the Ron Muncaster Award for Best Costume Design in 2024.
Professionally, Ben is a Management Consultant in the Technology industry, previously working for Deloitte across Asia Pacific and Global, specifically in Innovation, Strategy and Business Operations.
Jemma Young (she/her)
Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer
Jemma is the Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for Emerald City Kickball and is based in Perth. Jemma oversees all things ‘people’ and she is responsible for ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion remain at the heart of everything we do. Jemma is passionate about creating spaces that facilitate belonging and that allow people to present themselves as their authentic selves.
By day, Jemma is the Design and Communications manager for an organisational psychology firm, and she has a keen interest in enhancing user experience by making accessibility a priority in design outcomes.
In her free time, Jemma enjoys walking or going to the beach with her furbaby, Tilly; working on fun little graphic design projects; spending time with family and friends; and of course, all the many vibrant kickball-related shenanigans.
Phil Kinnest (he/him)
Perth Area Representative
Phil is the National Area Representative (NAR) for Perth, acting as the key link between the National Management Committee and the Perth Local Sub-Committee. In this role, he supports the delivery of national initiatives at a local level, tracks outcomes and lessons learned from events, and provides feedback to help shape future planning. He also advocates for the resources and support needed to ensure local activities are sustainable, inclusive, and successful.
Phil is one of the original founders of the Perth league and has been an active member since its inception nearly five years ago. Prior to stepping into the National Area Representative role, he served as Director of Finance and Memberships, where he played a key role in strengthening governance, financial sustainability, and member engagement as the league continued to grow.
Outside of kickball, Phil brings over 20 years of experience in the finance and insurance industry, including more than a decade in leadership roles. His professional background has shaped a strong focus on structure, accountability, and people-centred decision-making, all of which he brings into his work within the community.
Phil enjoys gaming, visiting museums, studying history, catching up with friends, spending as much time as possible at the beach, and travelling — always curious, always learning, and always looking for ways to connect with people and the world around him.
Jack Foulstone (he/him)
Sydney Area Representative
Jack overlooks Sydney’s committee adherence to our National rules and regulations. He is the main touch point between Sydney and our National organisation leaders.
Freddie Lenclud (he/him)
Melbourne Area Representative
Freddie oversees the Melbourne committe keeping them connected to the wider National organisation leaders and support. Freddie is one of the original founders of the Melbourne league launch. He continues to show a passion for bringing the LGBTQIA+ community in Melbourne together.
Tom Opie
(he/him)
Secretary
Tom is responsible for the day to day governance and keeping things in line.
Luke Fenech
(he/him)
Philanthropy & Stewardship
Luke plays a pivotal role in driving our mission forward by bridging the gap between national strategy and local action. His work focuses on sustainable growth, community health, and empowering local leaders to amplify their impact. Luke is accountable for the delivery of the annual national fundraising campaign. He actively identifies successful initiatives emerging within local areas and advocates for their expansion. By providing structured templates, strategic guidance, and expert advice, Luke ensures that high-impact causes are scaled effectively across the broader community.
Governance
Emerald City Kickball Inc is managed in accordance with the league’s Constitution and Bylaws, which govern all aspects of kickball operations, community engagement, finances and communications. For more information, please contact the Executive Committee.
Emerald City Kickball Incorporated is registered as an incorporated association in New South Wales under the Associations Incorporation Act 2009 (NSW).