Richard McInnes has spent more than three decades contributing to multiple Australian sports as a participant, volunteer, coach, administrator, committee member and executive leader. His experience spans regional and metropolitan community sport, high performance sport, state and national sporting organisations and system-wide leadership roles, giving him a unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing sport today.

Throughout his career, Richard has worked across athlete development, coaching, talent identification and pathways, high performance, governance and organisational leadership and sector development. He has led teams and organisations through periods of growth, change and transformation, while remaining focused on the people and communities at the heart of sport.

Today, Richard works at the Australian Sports Commission to support and empower sporting organisations across Australia to strengthen capability, leadership, governance, participation, volunteering, officiating and organisational sustainability. He is passionate about helping sport create positive experiences that encourage lifelong involvement and deliver benefits for individuals, communities and the nation.

A strong advocate for the role that leaders, volunteers, coaches and officials play in shaping sporting experiences, Richard believes sport has a unique capacity to build connection, belonging and social cohesion. His leadership approach is grounded in collaboration, continuous learning and creating environments where people can contribute, grow and succeed.