The former City of Ballarat director fills the vacancy created by the retirement of long-serving Basketball Ballarat chief executive officer Peter Eddy.

Ivey was introduced as the new CEO on Thursday, just two days after it was revealed he was leaving the City of Ballarat.

His various roles in 11 years with Ballarat City Council included serving as acting CEO earlier this year.

Ivey has also had a close association with Ballarat's sporting community as a department head, being instrumental in the development of infrastructure such as Mars Stadium and Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility, in addtion to being in charge of the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre.

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He also played a major role in attracting and managing major sports and community events for the city.

He will be part of a new-look administration, working alongside newly-elected chairman Kim Holloway.

Ivey said he had seen how vital the link between sport and community was to Ballarat and the broader western region, and was keen to ensure this continued at Ballarat Basketball.

"I feel my previous experiences working with the community with the City of Ballarat will hold me in good stead and see me hit the ground running.

"My role as the City of Ballarat's director of pandemic resource and recovery has also provided me with the expertise to feel confident in leading Basketball Ballarat through the COVID-19 crisis and back out onto the courts," he said.

"I am really looking forward to starting the role and connecting with all the stakeholders in the Ballarat basketball community."

Holloway said Basketball Ballarat had attracted a large, quality field of applicants.

"We're pleased to be able to ensure a smooth transition between CEOs at this critical time for the organisation.

"We are excited about having someone of Neville's calibre and background to ensure continuity in the short term and to drive new perspectives and enhance the strategy in the medium to long term.

Ivey will take over the role after Eddy next month ends 30 years at the helm of one of Ballarat biggest participation sports.

Eddy was the key player in the formation of the Ballarat Miners and development of the multi-million dollar Ballarat Sports Events Centre, which has replaced the Minerdome as the city's premier basketball and indoor sporting facility.

He said at the time he announced his retirement in February that there would be sadness when he walked through the stadium doors for the final time as Basketball Ballarat chief - admitting he could tend to get emotional about defining moments - but he would do so with great pride and confidence in the future.