Executive leadership

Our department is comprised of the following business areas:

  • Office of the Director-General
  • Sport and Recreation
  • Corporate Services
  • Olympic and Paralympic Games Office
  • Queensland Academy of Sport.

The department is led by our Executive Leadership Team.

Andrew Hopper, Director-General

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In September 2022, Andrew took on the role of Director-General and is leading the government’s key objectives to grow and strengthen the state’s visitor economy and participation in sport and recreation across all levels.

Andrew joined the Queensland Public Service in late 2021 as the Deputy Director-General, Tourism Recovery, Olympic Engagement and Legacy, with the focus of championing Queensland’s visitor economy, bringing the Tourism Industry Reference Panel’s Action Plan for Tourism Recovery to life and working in lockstep with Tourism and Events Queensland as well as industry.

Prior to taking up this role with the department, Andrew spent over six years in executive roles in the Northern Territory, most recently as the Deputy CEO in the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade, leading the teams at Tourism NT (including StudyNT), Screen Territory and Liquor and Gaming and Racing.

With an extensive background leading high performing teams in the tourism, major events, entertainment, sport and cultural industries in Australia and internationally, Andrew has led teams to deliver an increase in visitation, industry investment, successful major events, and projects. Having worked in both the public and private sectors, Andrew is well versed in working with stakeholders to find new ways of working together while overcoming roadblocks along the way.

Kelli Lamperd, Acting Deputy Director-General, Sport and Recreation

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Kelli has been working in the Queensland Government for over 35 years and currently holds the position of Acting Deputy Director-General, Sport and Recreation.

She has experience in leading high performing teams who have been responsible for delivery of products and services under the Queensland Housing Strategy and more recently delivery under the Sport Strategy.

Kelli is an inspiring leader with over 15 years at a senior level, influencing others to achieve their best. She leads by example through trust, commitment and integrity.

Kelli has substantial experience in relationship management and clients, and significant external stakeholders. She has proven skills in organisational change in complex environments.

Prior to joining Sport and Recreation, Kelli worked in various roles within Housing and Homelessness Services where she successfully delivered a range of products to assist Queenslanders to access and sustain their tenancy in the private market.

Sarah Vandersee, Deputy Director-General, Corporate Services

Sarah Vandersee Sarah Vandersee Sarah Vandersee © Queensland Government

As a Fellow of Certified Practicing Accountants, Sarah brings over 25 years experience in corporate services with the Queensland Government.

Sarah leads Corporate Services to partner with the other divisions to provide expert and trusted advice which allows the divisions to keep focussed on achieving their strategic plans. Sarah is leading Corporate Services to ensure that consistency and service excellence underpins everything that we do.

Sarah was previously the General Manager, Queensland Shared Services where she successfully managed complex digital technology and process change and influenced large scale customer centric transformations. In this role, her team navigated uncertain times during COVID to deliver payroll and finance services to 28 government departments.

Prior to joining QSS, Sarah worked at WorkCover Queensland in various roles within the business, leading teams responsible for setting and collecting the premium, deciding and managing statutory claims.


Eugénie Buckley, Deputy Director-General, Olympic and Paralympic Games Office

Eugenie Buckley Eugenie Buckley Eugenie Buckley © Queensland Government

Eugénie Buckley is passionate about the role of major events in transforming cities and improving economic, social and environmental outcomes.

She has held CEO roles with Suiko Consulting (major event specialists), Swimming Australia, Brisbane Roar FC, ICC Women’s World Cup 2009 and the Professional Footballers’ Association.

Eugénie was a member of the ASC Executive Sponsor Team for the development of Australia’s High Performance Sport Strategy 2032+ and the AOC Powering Australia’s Future 10+10 Working Group. She appreciates the specificities of the Paralympic Games through her planning and integration role with Paralympics Australia and proudly sat as representative on the Brisbane 2032 Carbon Footprint Reference Group.

Eugénie has formal legal and financial qualifications (Masters of Law (Sports Law), Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce) and held General Manager of Legal and Business Affairs roles with the International Cricket Council and Football Australia, and was Head of Legal and Commercial, Rugby World Cup 2003.

Eugénie is an inaugural member of the World Aquatics Integrity Unit Supervisory Council and the National Sports Tribunal. She was the first female to be appointed to an Asian Football Confederation Committee and the first Australian to be an AFC Match Commissioner. Previously she was an arbitrator for the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Last updated: 31 Mar 2025