Posted: September 15, 2005

Athletics Canada Announces Organizational Changes

Ottawa, September 15, 2005 - Athletics Canada announces Chief Executive Officer.

Following the 2005 IAAF World Championships Athletics Canada has taken advantage of the departure of some staff members to redefine and reorganize its operations.

The Board of Directors is pleased to announce that chief operating officer Joanne Mortimore, will move into the new role of chief executive officer. Consistent with Athletics Canada's Strategic Plan developed in 2001, Joanne will focus on more strategic, long term views rather than the day-to-day, operational level of the association. She will lead the transition period as the association moves towards a new technical structure with the departure of Alex Gardiner, former chief technical officer/head coach to the Canadian Olympic Committee.

"Joanne is a long-service employee who consistently has demonstrated her commitment, contribution and integrity", says Athletics Canada Chair Jean-Guy Ouellette. "As Chief Operating Officer, she held operations together successfully and ensured our financial objectives were met. She is a large reason why Athletics Canada currently has such a healthy organization."

Joanne's background made her the logical candidate to fill this role. A certified general accountant, she has been associated with athletics for many years. From 1990 to 1999, she was Athletics Canada's Director of Finance and Administration. She then focused on consulting with various sport organizations, including Athletics Canada, the Athletics Canada Foundation and the Canadian Sports Awards and was finally hired as Athletics Canada Chief Operating Officer in February 2002. She has also acted as manager and head of delegation for various Canadian athletic teams at international meetings and is an active participant as a congress member for the North American Central American Caribbean area and the International Athletics Association of Federations.

Athletics Canada is the national sport governing body for the sport of track and field including cross-country running and road running. Its purpose is to support high performance athletics excellence at the world level and to provide leadership in developmental athletics. Athletics Canada is a not for profit, charitable organization operating under a board of directors elected by provincial / territorial members.

Source: Athletics Canada