Adam Pattison has been endorsed, and taken on the role of chair, by the board of directors at Cumberland Football Association.
He becomes the first independent chair of the county.
John Rogerson has been interim chair since the death of Fred Conway last year and John will now return to his position of vice chair.
As a registered and active referee within the county and having been an active committee member of the West Cumberland Youth Football League, as well as operating as an appointed finance director for the County FA, Adam brings with him a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion for the game locally.
In his role as chair, Adam will play a decisive role in providing strategic direction and leadership for the county, while remaining accountable to the association’s members and the game locally.
His responsibilities will include overseeing the county’s progression towards The FA’s Football Code of Governance.
Adam said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed as the chair of the Cumberland Football Association, following my appointment as vice chair for the last season.
“I am looking forward to the challenge and working with you all to grow and develop the game that we all know and love, working alongside our CEO and his team, and of course all our members.
“At this point I would like to pay tribute to John Rogerson, who steps aside to become vice chair.
“John of course assumed the position following the very untimely loss of our previous chair, Fred Conway. At a time in need, John assumed the role without hesitation and guided us superbly through a very challenging period for all associated with the Cumberland FA, and throughout the season, and made the 2022/23 season a great success.
“I look forward to working with John over the coming years, to lean on his experience and expertise. Equally, we continue to miss Fred, and all that he did in the local community, and without really making this well known.
“I know that I cannot replicate anything that either John and Fred have done in the past, but I hope to make both proud, and continue the good work and development of football throughout Cumberland.
“Football is of course a team game, and we will continue to work as a team to deliver football in Cumberland, for all of us to enjoy, as our game, for years to come.”
As part of his inauguration, Adam plans to embark on some face-to-face visits to clubs and host a number of open consultation sessions, which will allow him to meet and listen to clubs and leagues to help him shape his priorities for the county ahead of a new strategy from 2024-28.
