Biography

A specialist in sport governance, Geoff Schoenberg is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Sport Governance at Deakin University. His current project is focused on understanding and improving sport governance in India. Through this work he has facilitated workshops in India with the CEO of the Australian Sports Commission, interviewed many members of the sector, and participated in media discussions about his work. As his project continues, he looks forward to contributing needed empirical evidence into the debate around the future of sport in India.

Geoff’s interest in sport governance has focused on the soft side of effective governance–how decisions are made, how individual directors behave, what are the implications of different group dynamics. These intangible factors, when combined with structures and composition, are critical for improving sport governance.

Complementing his varied research portfolio, Geoff is an award winning speaker and has given presentations in ten different countries.

Academic Positions

  • 20192016

    Research Fellow

    Centre for Sport Research

    Deakin  University

  • 20192016

    Honorary Fellow

    Australia India Institute

    University of Melbourne

  • 20162013

    Campus Convener, Sessional Lecturer, and Tutor

    Department of Tourism, Sport and Hotel Management

    Griffith University

  • 20142014

    Visiting Academic

    Centre for Sports, Health and Civil Society

    University of Southern Denmark

  • 20112010

    Specialist Lecturer and Teaching Assistant

    Department of Management and Marketing

    Deakin University

  • 20122010

    Seminar Instructor

    Sport Event Management

    FitzWilliam Institute

Education & Training

  • PhD 2016

    PhD in Sport Governance

    Griffith University

  • Masters 2012

    Masters of Commerce (Research)

    Deakin University

  • Bachelor 2007

    Bachelor of Applied Business and Entrepreneurship - Sport and Recreation

    Mount Royal University

Honours and Awards

  • 2017
    Deakin Business School Award - Sport Management Team
  • 2015
    First Place - Griffith Business School Three Minute Thesis Competition
    The competition aims to professionally develop the presentation and research communication skills of all participants, honing their ability to effectively explain their research in a language that can be comprehended by a non-specialist audience. As the winner of the Griffith Business School competition, I will compete in the University Final on September 30, 2015.
  • 2015
    University Contribution Award
    Awarded by the Griffith University Gold Coast Association of Postgraduates, this award recognises an individual’s exceptional contribution to the university community.
  • 2014
    Diversity Support Award
    Awarded by the Griffith University Gold Coast Association of Postgraduates, this award recognises an individual’s achievements in enhancing and promoting inclusivity on campus.
  • 2012
    SMAANZ Student Research Award
    The Sport Management Association for Australia and New Zealand (SMAANZ) recognises one outstanding student researcher (PhD or Masters) per year for their completed (or nearly completed) thesis. Awarded on the basis of an Executive Summary of the research, Geoff received this award for his 2012 Masters thesis titled Examining Strategic Preparation for CEO Succession.
  • 2012
    Student Commencement Address
    Geoff was selected to speak on behalf of students at the 2012 Deakin University Graduation Ceremony.
  • Ongoing
    Toastmasters Competitions
    Geoff has won and placed in many impromptu, inspirational, and humorous speech contests ranging from the local club level to multi-state districts.