Jeff Powell named next Rowing Canada CEO

VICTORIA, B.C. –

Olympic rower Jeff Powell has been appointed as the new chief executive officer of Rowing Canada.

Powell, a 48-year-old from Winnipeg, is a two-time world champion in the men’s eight. He previously served as the executive director of the Canadian Sport Centre Manitoba for ten years and was a member of Rowing Canada’s board.

“I am incredibly excited to fully immerse myself back into the sport and the organization that has played such a significant role in my life,” Powell expressed in a statement released on Wednesday.

“I am eager to collaborate with Canada’s rowing community to nurture the sport we all hold dear and work towards creating a robust and united future together.”

Following the resignation of Terry Dillon on June 30, Jennifer Fitzpatrick served as the interim CEO.

Despite the women’s eight securing a silver medal at the Olympic Games in August, only two Canadian boats qualified for Paris out of the ten that raced in Tokyo in 2021. The women’s lightweight doubles sculls team finished in eighth place.

Jacob Wassermann, a former Humboldt Broncos goaltender, represented Canada as the sole para rower in Paris.

Canada has not fielded a men’s eight team in the Olympic Games since claiming a silver medal in 2012.

Powell was part of the crew that finished fifth in Athens, Greece, in 2004, following world championship victories in 2002 and 2003.

“Jeff’s dedication to the sport, coupled with his leadership skills, will lead to success for RCA, both on and off the water,” remarked Rowing Canada’s board chair, Michael Bryden, in the statement.

“As we continue to shape our strategic direction and build upon the sport’s rich legacy and potential, we are confident that Jeff will help enhance and fortify our organization and rowing communities.”

Powell will officially assume his role as CEO on February 3.

This article by The Canadian Press was originally published on December 18, 2024.