Michelle Smith Copland

About Me

“I am a governance-focused leader with experience spanning sport, business, media, and community development. My background combines strategic oversight, people leadership, and a strong commitment to building organisations that are values-led, sustainable, and community-centred. I am a director of a large family-owned dairy farming business in Canterbury, where I am involved in governance, financial oversight, strategic planning, risk management, and regulatory compliance. This role has strengthened my understanding of commercial accountability, long-term decision-making, and the importance of robust systems and clear governance boundaries. Alongside my business experience, I have extensive involvement in sport, particularly rhythmic gymnastics, where I have held leadership and coaching roles at both regional and national levels. I am currently establishing a charitable trust focused on increasing access to quality sport experiences for children and young people, with a strong emphasis on integrity, inclusion, wellbeing, and positive culture. This work has deepened my interest in not-for-profit governance, board effectiveness, and safeguarding. Earlier in my career, I worked in international sports media and broadcasting, including senior roles with Eurosport. This experience developed my strengths in communication, stakeholder engagement, and operating under pressure in high-profile environments. I bring to governance roles a collaborative, thoughtful approach, with a focus on clarity of purpose, ethical leadership, and constructive challenge. I am particularly interested in contributing to boards in sport, community, and purpose-driven organisations where strong governance can make a meaningful difference”