Wright is the chief executive of The Forum at Newcastle University Sport and has more than 30 years of experience in sales and change management, including empowering people and culture environment, something invaluable to the governing body of university sport in Australia.

Wright has been in charge at The Forum for the past two years and previously held senior executive positions at Nine Entertainment and NBN Television.  

"I am thrilled to welcome Deborah to the UniSport Australia Board," UniSport chair Chris Massey said.

"Her experience will be an asset to UniSport as we move forward and continue to advocate the value of sport across the university sector. 

"I look forward to working with Deborah through this next period."

Wright is looking forward to taking up her new role.

"I am delighted to be joining the UniSport Board at this exciting time with the opportunity to contribute and build on the significant work done by the UniSport Board and management, particularly over recent years," she said.

"I’ve admired the UniSport management team's approach and engagement with member universities over a challenging period and it's clear that UniSport Australia has an exciting future with significant opportunities ahead.

"I feel most fortunate to play a role in contributing to the future success of university sport across Australia and the important role it plays in our students' lives and experience while at university and beyond."