Executive Committee

The Executive Committee exists to support the President in the running of the Club.

Chairperson and Senior Member – Professor Leanne Hodson BSc(Hons) PhD – Appointed September 2019

Leanne Hodson is a Professor of Metabolic Physiology at the University of Oxford, where she runs a research group. Growing up in New Zealand she became involved in rowing at high school, starting as a rower before moving into the coxswain’s seat. She has stayed involved in rowing since moving to Oxford in 2004. She has previously coxed for OUW in external regatta’s, including HRR.

Senior Treasurer – Caroline Cooper – Appointed May 2021

Caroline is the Chief Financial Officer at Sky Studios and has over 15 years of experience in the TV sector in corporate finance and strategy roles. Caroline joined the Executive Committee in Summer 2020 ahead of assuming the role of Senior Treasurer. During her time at Oxford she studied Geography at Keble and rowed in Osiris in 2000 and 2001.

Secretary – Emma Boggis – Appointed September 2019

Emma Boggis rowed for OUWBC (Osiris 1994; Blue Boat 1995) whilst studying Philosophy and Theology at Oriel College as an undergraduate. Her career has included service in the British Army, the Cabinet Office, Foreign Office and Prime Ministers’ Office and running a national sports organisation. She is now a non executive Director providing strategic advice and guidance as a Board member of The National Lottery Community Fund, the British Paralympic Association, the English Institute of Sport and the National Paralympic Heritage Trust. Emma sits as the OUW representative on the Board of the Boat Race Company Limited which is responsible for the delivery of the Boat Race. 

Committee Member – Natasha Carpenter – Appointed Summer 2018

Tash Carpenter is Director of Communications at the English Institute of Sport which she joined in May 2018 from her previous role of Head of Communications at Premiership Rugby. Earlier in her career she spent eight years at the British Paralympic Association in various media and communications roles and has worked for ParalympicsGB at five Games, including London and Rio. Tash Carpenter rowed, alongside her sister, in Osiris in 2007.

Committee Member – Michael Smets – Appointed September 2019

Michael Smets is Professor of Management at the Said Business School, University of Oxford. He learnedd to row when studying for his DPhil at Oxford and rowing for OULRC (Nephthys 2007). Michael studies professional organizations and advises them on designing high-performance teams and cultures, as well as the management of broad stakeholder relations.