The 28-year-old, who has competed on the women's professional tour for 12 years, is the current world number 11 and replaces Ireland's Aisling Blake who has held the position since January last year.

"It's a huge honour to be appointed WSA president," Brown said.

"I'm really excited to be working with the staff and with the fellow directors in trying to promote squash and female squash."

Brown, who is based in New York, has been passionate about promoting squash for women throughout her career.

A landmark occasion for women's squash was witnessed last year when the 2013 US Open set the record as the first major professional event to offer equal prize money for both the women's and men's events.

"It was fantastic - to have that event at that equal prize money is such a huge thing. It's such a huge stepping stone for squash," Brown added.

The women's tour has seen some disruptions in recent years, including the 2013 world championship almost being cancelled, until it was recently announced that the event would be held in Penang, Malaysia in March this year.

"It's fantastic that we've been able to put that tournament on again. The WSA staff have done really well to get that on, so it will be interesting to see who will be the 2013 world champion.

"At the end of this year we'll have the 2014 world championship as well, so it's really exciting to look toward the future and see what this year holds.

"We want to continue to grow women's squash, and I just want to do everything I can to promote the sport, and to promote healthy living." Squash Mad