She will be the first person to take on the role full-time due to the "increased demands" on the BOA's administrative team.

The former athlete replaces Stanley Douglas, who had been working as secretary general on a part-time basis.

Douglas has now been appointed as second vice-president.

Smith-King joins the BOA from the Bermuda Sloop Foundation, where she has been executive director since 2017.

She enjoyed a 35-year career in track and field, including as head women's coach at Tufts University in the United States.

Other roles include various positions with the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

As an athlete, she represented Bermuda at both the Commonwealth Games and Pan American Games.

She won gold in the shot put at the first Caribbean Free Trade Association Games in Barbados in 1972.

"We are so pleased that Branwen has agreed to take up the post of secretary general," said Judy Simons, BOA President.

"With her background as an athlete and coach, and latterly as an executive in a local charitable organisation, she has the perfect background and experience to fill the demands of this important role and help the BOA continue to assist in the development of Bermuda's elite athletes and ensure their participation at major international sports festivals.  

"We look forward to having Branwen on board.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Stanley Douglas for his many contributions to the BOA as secretary general. 

"We are pleased that he will continue to be part of the BOA executive team."