Tara Dillon FCIMSPA (Ch)

Tara Dillon FCIMSPA (Ch) is the CEO of the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), a position she has held since March 2015.3 With over 35 years of experience in the sport and physical activity sector, Tara has established herself as a prominent figure in the industry.

Career Highlights

Early Career:: Tara began her journey in the sport and physical activity sector as a lifeguard at her local leisure centre in 1987.2 This early experience laid the foundation for her future career in the industry.

Management Experience:: In 2001, Tara was appointed as Contract Manager at DC Leisure Management, a company specializing in the development and management of leisure facilities for local authorities.2

Executive Roles:: Prior to her current position, Tara served as the Executive Director of IQL UK LTD, the trading arm of the Royal Lifesaving Society.23

Leadership at CIMSPA

As CEO of CIMSPA, Tara leads initiatives aimed at professionalizing the workforce and enhancing career prospects for those working in sport, leisure, and fitness.2 Her leadership has been recognized in several ways:

• Voted as one of the top 5 CEOs by The Times Best Companies initiative.12
• Received a special recognition award for her outstanding contribution to sport and physical activity.4

Advocacy and Influence

Tara is known for her advocacy work within the sector:

• She regularly represents the sport and physical activity sector at the Houses of Parliament and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS).1
• Tara emphasizes the sector's role as a vital support arm for the NHS and works to empower the workforce to be recognized accordingly.1

Personal Attributes

Colleagues and industry observers have noted Tara's sense of humor and her relentless pursuit of excellence.2 She is described as a dynamic professional with a rich background in managing sports and physical activity organizations.

Tara Dillon continues to be an influential voice in the sport and physical activity sector, working to transform and professionalize the industry while remaining optimistic about its future potential.5