Suzanne Paulins becomes permanent CEO of Swimming Canada
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Suzanne Paulins has officially been appointed as the chief executive officer of Swimming Canada after serving as the interim CEO since last year. Hailing from Brantford, Ontario, Paulins took on the role of acting CEO in May following Ahmed El-Awadi’s personal leave, and she assumed the position permanently after his departure in November.
During her time as CEO, Canada’s swim team had an outstanding performance at both the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris. The team won a total of eight medals at the Olympics and 13 medals at the Paralympics. Toronto’s Summer McIntosh stood out with three gold medals and one silver at the Olympics, while Nicholas Bennett from Parksville, B.C., secured two Paralympic gold medals and a silver.
Swimming Canada president Susan Owen commended Paulins for her leadership, stating that under her guidance, the organization’s future looks exceptionally promising. Paulins played a pivotal role in overseeing the relocation of the Olympic and Paralympic swim trials from Montreal to Toronto due to a fire near Montreal’s Olympic Pool. This decision was well-received by the athletes, highlighting Paulins’ commitment to listening to the needs of the swimming community.
Paulins, who joined Swimming Canada in 2017 as the domestic operations senior manager, has a rich background in the sport spanning over 45 years. She has held various roles, including official, referee, and vice-president of Swim Ontario. Three-time Olympian Javier Acevedo praised Paulins for her exceptional leadership, emphasizing her ability to prioritize the athletes’ needs in every decision.
As the CEO, Paulins is responsible for overseeing Swimming Canada’s strategic plan for 2021-28. The organization has set ambitious goals, aiming to maintain its status as a top-six medal country at the Olympics (4th) and a top-nine country in Paralympic swimming (8th) in 2024. Looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Games, the objective is to secure a top-six position in the Olympics and a top-eight finish in the Paralympics.
Paulins’ appointment as CEO marks a new chapter for Swimming Canada, with a strong focus on continued growth and success in the sport of swimming. Her passion for the sport and dedication to the athletes make her a valuable leader for the organization as they strive towards achieving their future goals.