Proud South Australian, Adelaide football legend and former Crows Club Chief Operating Officer, Nigel Smart, has been announced as the new Crime Stoppers SA Chief Executive Officer following an extensive international search.
Acknowledging the crucial role Crime Stoppers SA plays in the community, the Marshall Liberal Government future-proofed the charity with a significant cash boost in the 2020/21 State Budget – the first time a South Australian Government has directly funded the organisation.
More than $800,000 in funding is relieving operating costs for the charity, delivering critical crime-solving and prevention initiatives for the community, and supporting Mr Smart’s three-year appointment.
Police Minister Vincent Tarzia wished Mr Smart luck in his new challenge which begins today.
“The Marshall Government is proud to support Crime Stoppers SA and it’s fantastic to see a passionate, talented South Australian like Nigel Smart step into the position of CEO,” Minister Tarzia said.
“Mr Smart had a stellar career in the Crows backline and will now play a pivotal role in our state’s defence against crime.
“Crime Stoppers SA recently celebrated 25 years of service and it’s clear, with this new and additional layer of leadership, the charity will continue to jump strength to strength.
“Over the years, and thanks to the public, hundreds of thousands of valuable tips have been supplied to Crime Stoppers SA, helping SAPOL solve almost 35,000 crimes – and that number continues to soar.”
After a successful AFL career, which included Crows Hall of Fame induction, Mr Smart spent an additional eight years with the club as a senior member of the management team. He was the spearhead of significant membership growth, match attendance, and increased revenue and profit.
He also successfully negotiated new strategic partnerships with several well-known organisations and brands.
Mr Smart brings significant board experience to his new role, having held previous directorships with the Crows, Slingsby Theatre Company, Adelaide Crows Children’s Foundation, and as the current Southern Districts Cricket Club President.
“I am excited at the opportunity to contribute to an organisation which directly contributes to a safer South Australia by giving people ways to anonymously share what they know about unsolved crime and suspicious activity,” Mr Smart said.
“It is fantastic to be leading an organisation that enjoys a strong brand awareness and a high level of community trust, and I plan to expand the operational reach of Crime Stoppers in SA, better engage with the corporate and public sector, increase engagement with our state’s regional and multicultural communities, and generate financial resources to fund key programs that will achieve even greater community outcomes.”
In welcoming the senior appointment, Crime Stoppers SA Chair, Sharon Hanlon, said Mr Smart brought well-developed leadership skills, commercial acumen and significant management and business development experience to the key role.
“Nigel was a standout in a very competitive and highly qualified field of applicants, and we look forward to him working with the Crime Stoppers SA Board and heading up our management team as we position ourselves to build on our 25-year history of success in South Australia,” Ms Hanlon said.
“His understanding of the not-for-profit and charity sector, his personal values and work ethic, and his creativity and innovation, will ensure Crime Stoppers SA continues to play a very important role for many years to come.
“Nigel’s local and national networks will be invaluable when it comes to forging new partnerships as we look to strengthen our financial position and sharpen our strategic focus and direction. His appointment brings us into line with our interstate counterparts and represents a key milestone for Crime Stoppers SA.”
If you have information about an unsolved crime or suspicious behaviour, contact Crime Stoppers SA on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au.
