OFC WELCOMES NEW STAFF

The organisation welcomes General Manager Greg Larsen, Personal Assistant Paula McKenzie, Media and Communications Officer Priscilla Duncan, Logistics and Competitions Coordinator Amy McDonald and Receptionist Leah Brewster.

Tai Nicholas, OFC General Secretary, says all five will play a key role in steering the organisation as it embarks on the ‘Win in Oceania’ project which begins this year.

“OFC is going through an exciting growth period and I’m confident we have recruited the best possible candidates to help drive this expansion,” Nicholas says.

The US$8 million ‘Win in Oceania’ programme, funded by FIFA, will assist Oceania’s Member Associations in boosting national competitions, improving infrastructure and medical procedures, strengthening administration as well as developing futsal, beach soccer and grassroots competitions.

While OFC is boosted by the new faces, the organisation also says goodbye to two valued members of staff – Deputy General Secretary Frederic Guillemont and Media and Communications Officer Steve Holloway. Guillement has taken up a new position as CEO of the Homeless World Cup while Holloway recently signed a professional playing contract with MacArthur Rams FC in Australia.

“Frederic and Steve have made valuable contributions to OFC and they will be sorely missed,” Nicholas says. “We wish them the very best of luck in their future endeavours.”

Greg Larsen – General Manager

With an extensive background in finance and project management, Greg Larsen brings a wealth of knowledge to further build the professionalism of OFC. The 39-year-old, who has built three companies in different industries, says he is enjoying the challenge of his new role.

“My major goal is to provide a procedural and structural emphasis to the organisation while still maintaining the close-knit family feel that has been a cornerstone of OFC,” says the father-of-two.

Larsen has been involved in football for 34 years and spent over a decade playing National League in New Zealand as well as stints in England at Bournemouth and Eltham Town.

Having experienced football from a player’s perspective, he is now looking forward to being part of the sport in an administrative sense.

Paula McKenzie – Personal Assistant

Reporting directly to the OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas, Paula McKenzie will draw on her many years of experience in office administration to improve organisational systems within OFC.

McKenzie, who has most recently enjoyed being full-time mum to daughter Grace, says the role at OFC attracted her for many reasons.

“The social responsibility side of OFC really appeals to me and I’m looking forward to getting involved in that,” McKenzie says.

“I also like the vibe within the office. Everyone works extremely hard but still maintains a positive attitude which makes for a great working environment.”

Priscilla Duncan – Media and Communications Officer

Priscilla Duncan worked as Media Manager for the successful FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2008 and brings to OFC a passion for football as well as expertise in communications.

The former New Zealand international, who represented her country at the FIFA Women’s World cup in China in 2007, says she is relishing the opportunity to use her skills within a football organisation.

“This is a perfect role for me because it combines my background in communications with my love for football,” Duncan says.

Amy McDonald – Logistics and Competitions Coordinator

Amy McDonald will be responsible for OFC travel arrangements and logistics while also supporting the busy competitions department.

The Hawkes Bay native, who has worked in IT and administration roles within the finance industry, says she is looking forward to travelling throughout the Oceania region.

“I love meeting new people from different countries and cultures so that aspect of the job will be great,” says McDonald, who loves all things French and has a reasonable grasp of the language. 

Leah Brewster – Receptionist

Leah Brewster is the new face of OFC, working as the receptionist at the General Secretariat headquarters at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland. Prior to this job Brewster served as a volunteer at Auckland’s City Mission. So far she is thoroughly enjoying being part of the OFC team. 

“I love having daily contact with people and welcoming guests to the offices,” says Brewster, who is of Samoan and Maori descent.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

T: +649-526-5651

F: +649-525-8164

M: +64 (0)21 884 018

Media and Communications

T: +649-526-5654

F: +649-525-8164

M: +64 (0)21 994 520