Nichole McCulloch to Step Down as BAFA Chair After Seven Years

British American Football Association Chair Nichole McCulloch will step down after seven years in post, bringing to a close a tenure defined by governance reform, executive change, and the challenges of steering the sport through the COVID-19 period and towards Olympic preparation.

McCulloch joined the BAFA board as Chair in 2018, inheriting an organisation undergoing transition from a largely volunteer-led structure toward a more formalised national governing body. Over the course of her tenure, BAFA has experienced significant internal change, including restructuring across governance and operations aimed at improving stability, compliance, and long-term sustainability.

One of the most notable aspects of McCulloch’s time as Chair has been her oversight of two Chief Executive appointments, reflecting both moments of organisational reset and progression as BAFA sought to strengthen its executive leadership and operational capacity.

Her leadership was particularly tested during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that presented unprecedented challenges for domestic sport. BAFA was required to navigate competition suspensions, financial uncertainty, and shifting participation trends, while maintaining relationships with clubs, leagues, and external stakeholders. That period ultimately accelerated changes to governance, financial oversight, and strategic planning that continue to shape the organisation today.

In recent years, McCulloch has also overseen BAFA’s positioning ahead of a new strategic phase for the sport, including preparation for the growth of flag football in the build-up to LA 2028, alongside ongoing structural development across the contact game. While many of these initiatives are still evolving, they form part of a longer-term vision aimed at improving pathways, credibility, and investment across British American football.

In stepping aside, McCulloch has indicated that she believes the organisation is now in a stronger and more stable position than when she took on the role, and that the timing is right to allow new leadership to guide BAFA through its next phase.

Alongside her departure, Senior Non-Executive Director Rob Lawson will also leave the board, citing increasing professional commitments in his role as CEO of the Marylebone Cricket Club. Lawson has played a key role in BAFA’s financial oversight during a period of recalibration for the organisation.

Current BAFA CEO Chad Ehlertsen has acknowledged the contributions of both board members, highlighting the impact of McCulloch’s leadership in driving organisational stability and Lawson’s influence on strengthening financial governance.

The recruitment process for a new BAFA Chair is now open, with the appointment set to be a pivotal one. With ongoing debate around league structures, participation models, and the balance between flag and contact disciplines, the next Chair will inherit an organisation facing both opportunity and scrutiny from across the British American football community.

McCulloch’s departure marks the end of a chapter defined by transition and consolidation — and the beginning of a new one that will shape how BAFA moves forward in a rapidly changing sporting landscape.