Black Swimming Association Appoints Inaugural CEO to Lead Charity into Next Phase of Growth

September 1st, 2025

Black Swimming Association (BSA) Appoints Kerry Downes as its first CEO

Five years since its inception, the award-winning BSA has appointed Kerry Downes as its first chief executive officer. This landmark appointment marks a new chapter for the charity as it enters its next phase of growth and impact.  

Downes brings extensive grassroot and leadership experience across sport, community, and justice sectors. She has a proven track record of establishing investment pipelines, strengthening governance, and building transformative and meaningful partnerships that have improved lives and expanded opportunity. Downes will spearhead the BSA’s expansion and continue its impactful, life-saving work promoting water safety education and drowning prevention knowledge.

New BSA CEO, Kerry Downes, says: “I'm truly excited to join the Black Swimming Association at such a pivotal time and to be contributing to the mission of ensuring people of all communities - especially those of African, Caribbean and Asian heritage - have equitable access, feel included and have a safe and quality experience in, on and around water. I greatly admire the impact the BSA has achieved and I look forward to working alongside the team to further strengthen and expand this work.”   

Prior to her appointment with the BSA, Kerry worked as Head of UK Partnerships at the Twinning Project, a partnership between HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) and professional football clubs that aims to twin every prison in England and Wales with a local professional football club.

Downes also spent two years as the Community Trust Director at Luton Town FC Community Trust, where she helped establish a pipeline of investment opportunities and worked with the board to implement its strategy and operational plans, whilst raising the profile and brand of the trust.

Downes was previously the Managing Director of West Ham United Foundation, and brings with her a brilliant track record of designing impactful education, health and social inclusion programmes, and involving members of diverse local communities. 

Within her role at West Ham United Foundation, she led a team which focused on prevention, intervention and partnership development, which delivers health, youth work and sports initiatives for people of all ages and abilities.

Danielle Obé, Chair of the Black Swimming Association, says: “The appointment of our first CEO marks the beginning of a new era for the BSA. Kerry brings not only expertise, but also a vision that aligns with our ambition to transform water safety and aquatic participation across the UK and beyond. With her leadership we are poised to strengthen our foundations, grow our influence, and continue our life-saving work at scale.” 

Downes’ phased onboarding has already begun with plans to start her position as full time CEO in December, 2025.