Donaldson
Charmaine Austin, Staff Reporter
SHARON DONALDSON has served the Jamaica Netball Association in a number of capacities since 1993 but the idea of being president hasn't really sunk in yet.
The former Rusea's High school student was officially conferred with the title at the JNA's annual general meeting and election of officers at St Hugh's High school yesterday.
Said Donaldson on her appointment: "It hasn't hit me yet. Getting to this stage was a natural progression and therefore no great surprise that I ought to offer myself for service but it's going to take some getting used to."
The JNA's rules stipulate that no outsider can run for the post of president but Donaldson is no stranger to the association.
In 1993, she was elected treasurer and from there second vice-president, to first vice-president and now president. In between that time, she also managed the national senior team to Caribbean Championships, Test games in Australia, New Zealand and England and to the World Games in Hague, Holland.
Her prior involvement with the sport started from high school when she made the junior team playing alongside Business House president Theda King in the days when their school monopolised the All-Island competition.
Still rotating the wing attack and wing defence positions, she also represented the University of Technology (CAST in those days), senior league teams Speg and Sports and Games.
Classy, domineering, opinionated are some adjectives that best describe the outwardly docile woman, but she will pick her fights. And win.
"If there's a battle that needs to be fought you can bet I'll come out roaring," she said.
HIGH PROFILE
Because of the high profile of immediate past president Molly Rhone, Donaldson knows that she will not get a chance to find a quiet corner and work but is definitely up to the task.
"I know I'll definitely always be under scrutiny, the B grade umpire said.
Having risen up the ranks and having knowledge of the kind of leadership style preferred, Donaldson vows to play an unobtrusive role with those she will oversee.
"I like working with people. I believe they are the best resources to have which is why I will take a participative approach in my dealings with everyone involved."
Among the plans she has for the association and Jamaica's netball is getting the game played extensively in areas outside of Kingston and in keeping with that objective, improving the technical skill of officials.
She will also work on getting corporate Jamaica to see netball as a "viable promotional vehicle".
Outside of netball, Donaldson is a highly accomplished professional.
A chartered accountant with General Accident Insurance Company Limited, she holds a Masters in Business Admin-istration, is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Accountants, a trained teacher, lecturer of various subjects in accountancy and is financial director of Jamaica Environment Trust (a non-profit organisation that promotes environmental awareness in schools).
A young attorney, Donaldson is presently pursuing certification at Norman Manley Law School, the accomplishment of which she is most proud.
With her 22-year-old daughter, Nychelle-Ann, attending a university overseas, Donaldson takes time out of her busy schedule to play tennis, read and enjoy the various art forms including going to the theatre and galleries.
JNA executive: Sharon Donaldson - president; Yvette Smith - 1st vice president; Patrick Brissett - 2nd vice president; Marva Bernard - treasurer;
Hyacinth Smith - assistant treasurer; Dorothy Hobson - secretary
Council members: Yvonne Keane-Dawes; Theda King; Pat Parkins; Cora Ricketts; Joy Watson.
