November 25/08 3:40 am - CCA CEO to Step Down in the New Year

Posted by Editor on 11/25/08
 

CCA CEO to Step Down in the New Year

Lorraine Lafrenière, Chief Executive Officer/Secretary General of the Canadian Cycling Association announced officially today that she will be stepping down from her position at the end of March next year. In the almost two years that she has held the position, Lafrenière has shepherded the CCA through some tough financial times, and has worked with federal funding bodies to put the Association in a position to enter the next Olympic cycle with stronger finances and a new administrative structure, led by the recently hired Chief Technical Officer, Jaques Landry.

The following statement has been released by Ms Lafrenière:

After much consideration I have decided to leave the position of Chief Executive Officer with the Canadian Cycling Association. It has been a pleasure to be among you as we have worked so very hard to strengthen our organization. I will be working through to March 31st, 2009 or until a new Chief Executive is hired and you have my commitment for a smooth transition until that person is in place.

The staff in place within the CCA is committed to maintaining the organization's momentum and it is important to build the right team who can commit to the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. The Board of Directors has been outstanding in providing direction and in supporting the decisions we have made to improve our services.

I know that some of the changes we have made have not been without some difficulty but I believe the work of the past few years has resulted in many positive steps for CCA. It has been a rewarding time for all of us and we have built a stronger link between CCA and the Canadian sport community. The transition will also be managed effectively with our funding agencies.

Much good work has been achieved during the past few years. If I were to highlight some of the accomplishments I would include our ability to work as partners alongside each other, not only from within in our respective organizations but also as individuals who believe in cycling. In addition to this, I am most proud of the hard work of staff in streamlining and restructuring the national office; of the contribution of our funding agencies by conducting the high performance review and in supporting us in implementing the recommended changes.

We have had great corporate supporters and donors who have made the difference in our all-too limited budget (Tim Hortons, Louis Garneau, H&R Block, Learn to Ride Cycling Partners, and Haywood). The performances in Beijing at the Olympics and Paralympics were outstanding and we are on the cusp of establishing a four-year funding partnership with Podium to take us to London 2012.

We have competent and committed CCA staff and I know that they will continue to work hard on your behalf to London 2012. The closing of an Olympiad/Paralympiad is always a time for change and it is important that CCA strike the team by April 1st that will carry the organization towards the outstanding performances in four year's time with your support and that of our funding partners. Our priority will be to build out the right team. I do hope to stay engaged with cycling and I will work with the Board and the new CEO through this transition.

I want to thank you again for giving me the chance to support cycling and I hope to do so for many years to come even though I will change roles.

Lorraine Lafrenière

Chief Executive Officer/Secretary General

Chef de la direction/Secrétaire générale