Announcing the 2023-24 Board of Directors
Bowls Canada Boulingrin is pleased to announce the new Board of Directors for the next year:
| Chair: Anne Mathewson | Treasurer: Dennis Verge |
| Secretary: Laura Seed | Director: Chris Stadnyk |
| Director: Derek McKie | Director: Phillip Francis |
| Director: Jane Blaine | Director: John Aveline |
This skills-based Board features new faces, as well as several returning ones. One that is missing is that of Kathryn MacGregor.
After six years as a Director and the past three years as Chair, Kathryn MacGregor has stepped down from the board. Kathryn was a champion for many new programs and initiatives which have been put in place over the last six years. Kathryn was a strong advocate for the “Belonging in Bowls” program and the inclusion and diversification of membership in the Para Bowls “Just Roll with It” program. She lead the development and strengthening of BCB’s Governance policies such that they were recently recognized in the Globe and Mail as one of the top five programs in the national sport sector. Kathryn’s leadership was essential in the holding of the inaugural Para Bowls Championships and ensuring that Para Bowlers had a place on Bowls Canada’s National Team.
“There were challenges and successes throughout my tenure”, said MacGregor. “Throughout, Bowls Canada remained nimble even when the COVID pandemic closed our clubs. However, our clubs have emerged successfully with increased membership and our Team Canada has shown through hard work, commitment and dedication we can reach the Podium. I wish for much success in the coming years to the Bowls Canada Board of Directors, staff and member organizations!”
Anne Mathewson has been appointed by the Board to serve as Chair for a one year-term. Anne has served on the BCB Board since 2019 and has been an Officer for the last three years in the role of Secretary. Anne has served on BCB’s Strategic Planning Committee, Fundraising, Governance, and Finance & Audit Committees. She recently completed a 4-year term as President at Nutana Lawn Bowling Club in Saskatoon, two years of which were during the pandemic. She also chaired the host organizing committee for the very successful 2019 Canadian Mixed Pairs Competition. As Manager of Reservation Sales within the Marriott Hotel family, Anne was responsible for successfully guiding agents through massive structural and technological changes. Anne is the current Executive Director of the Association of Regional Waste Management Authorities of Saskatchewan and has a long history of volunteer leadership positions and Board experience.
“I’m very eager to lead BCB and its members through this very challenging time. Our operations will be guided by a new CEO, the 2024 National Competitions are a more cost-effective, scaled-down format and our High-Performance athletes have attained an unprecedented fourth standing in international competition. And we have 3 Para athletes heading to Johannesburg in May”, said Matthewson. “Change is never easy to implement, but it can be exhilarating.”
Incumbents Dennis Verge (three-year term) and Laura Seed (one-year term) were re-elected by the members at the 2023 Annual General Meeting. Dennis Verge will return to the Treasurer role and Laura Seed will fill the Secretary role as appointed by the new Board.
Incumbent Phillip Francis was elected to a three-year term. Rounding out the returning Directors are Chris Stadnyk and Derek McKie who have another two years on their existing term. The return of these six directors will provide stability and business continuity during a time where Canadian society and amateur sport is seeing tremendous change and evolution.
New to the Board are Jane Blaine and John Aveline who bring fresh ideas and new perspectives to the organization.
As current Executive Director for the BC Blind Sports Association, Jane Blaine is intimately aware of the governance requirements of sport governing bodies and the challenges they are facing. She has worked in the sport industry at both national and provincial levels as well as serving several volunteer leadership positions at the international level.
John Aveline is a former national team member who has served in many volunteer positions at the club and provincial level within lawn bowling and within his community. John has worked as an educator at levels from middle school to post-secondary.
For more information, please contact Bowls Canada Boulingrin at office@bowlscanada.com
About Bowls Canada Boulingrin
Bowls Canada Boulingrin (BCB) is the governing body responsible for lawn bowls in Canada. The BCB mission is to advance the sport of bowls in Canada. For more details on Bowls Canada Boulingrin and the sport of lawn bowls, visit www.bowlscanada.com.
