After 12 years as Chief Executive Officer, Heather Reid is stepping down from Capital Football effective 20 March 2016.

The announcement came as the state federation released its Strategic Plan for Football in Canberra and the Capital Region 2016-2019.

“Heather’s contribution to football in Canberra as CEO of Soccer Canberra and then Capital Football over the last 12 years has left the organisation in a strong position,” said Capital Football Chair Mark O’Neill.

“I am pleased to say that Heather will be retained by Capital Football as a consultant for 12 months to help the Board with special projects and to assist and mentor the new CEO as required.”

It is the end of an era for Reid who had been involved at a football administrative level since 1978.  First with the Australian Women's Soccer Association, then with Football Federation Australia.

[More: Capital Football Strategic Plan]

Since 2004, Reid has been the CEO of the ACT Football Federation, the longest serving CEO of nine state federation and often times the only female head.

Since 2008 the CEO of two time W-League premiership and championship club Canberra United, considered by many the benchmark for women's sports clubs.

https://twitter.com/ShaneRattenbury/status/695100247865892864

A FFA Hall of Honours member, in 2015 Reid recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia for her 30 years of work advocating for and promoting the growth of women's soccer.

“I have been discussing my transition with the President and the Board for some time and we agreed that with the AGM marking 12 years for me as CEO, the release of a strategic plan, the end of the 8th W League season and the start of a new winter season marked an appropriate time," she said.

“I am looking forward to continuing to help the organisation over the next 12 months across a range of projects and providing assistance where required for the new CEO.”

TWG's Sarah Groube has an upcoming, in depth interview with Heather Reid AM to discuss her imminent departure.