After running netball in the region for the past six years, she has accepted a new role as regional director of the Otago Secondary Schools Sports Association and expects the learning curve will be challenging.
Paterson will replace Des Smith, who has accepted a position as the operations manager for the New Zealand Secondary Schools Sports Council.
Paterson said she was looking forward to the change but was pleased Smith would be close by.
"I know it will be a challenge," she said.
"All new jobs are challenging until they bed in. Des has done a fantastic job and I have pretty big boots to fill.
"I'm lucky he is still around and still involved in secondary school sport."
Paterson is uncertain when she will start in the position. There is still some work at Netball Otago to tidy up but, with Smith also moving on, Paterson thought the changeover would be reasonably swift and perhaps as early as the end of the month.
Paterson acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Netball New Zealand's proposed restructure had partly driven her to pursue the opportunity.
But, equally, she felt her skills were compatible with the job and the time was right for a change.
"I looked at the role and thought, with the skills I've developed working at Netball Otago, there was a parallel with the sports director's job, so it was an easy decision.
"Obviously, the change which is going on with Netball New Zealand had a little bit to do with it. But you are always looking out to see what other opportunities there are and I'm quite excited about it."
There will be a compete change at the top at the Otago Secondary Schools Sports Association. Smith's assistant, Geoff Rodden, is also leaving.
