Finlay said she was excited about the prospect of assuming the role at a crucial time in the Tornadoes history and was confident of the club's future.

She congratulated the work of the 2012 board under the leadership of retiring chairman Mark Thurlow and said she hoped to build on its successes.

"We have seen how significant this team is to the community, just by the level of community support that rallied behind the club," she said.

"The Tornadoes call for the continued support of the business community to ensure that we can side a competitive team and build a sustainable future for elite basketball in Northern Tasmania. If you are a former sponsor or have considered sponsoring the Tornadoes, we would love to hear from you."

The Tornadoes recently celebrated the appointment of one of Australia's best women coaches in Peta Sinclair for next season.

The club is in negotiations with import players to complement Northern Tasmania's local talent.

"If all goes to plan, the Tornadoes will field a competitive team, with a world- class coach and 2013 should be an exciting season," Finlay said. Preseason training is expected to start in mid-January.