Brenda Liski of Regina, Sask. has been named Rowing Canada Aviron's president.
"It is an honour to be entrusted with the leadership of Rowing Canada Aviron for the next three years," said Liski, RCAs Vice-President Administration since 1998. "We have an incredibly talented and dedicated Executive Committee and staff, and I know we have the ability to make tremendous strides in all areas of our organization."
Liski's background includes serving as vice-president programs and president of the Regina Rowing Club and a volunteer coach. She was team manager for both the Regina Rowing Club and the Saskatchewan Rowing Association. She has been on Rowing Canada Aviron's Executive Committee since 1998 and is a member of the Royal Canadian Henley Commission.
Liski takes over from Toronto business owner John Carmichael, who has been president since 2002.
I have had a wonderful experience serving Rowing Canada as president for the past four years. I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of all of our national teams at World Championships and Olympic Games, and it was great to work with our member clubs from across Canada," said Carmichael, who ran as a Conservative candidate in the past federal election. "I especially thank the hundreds of volunteers who make our sport work efficiently and who have supported me throughout my presidency. I am fully confident that our staff, coaches, new board and our exceptional athletes are fully aligned and focused on success in Beijing in 2008."
Other changes to Rowing Canada's executive committee include the acclimations of Brian Lamb of Victoria, British Columbia to the VP Administration position and John Lehnen of St. Catharines to VP of Marketing. Lehnen replaces three-time Olympian Marnie McBean, who recently took a position with the Canadian Olympic Committee.
The new members were announced this weekend at the Rowing Canada Aviron annual general meeting in Vancouver.
"I look forward to the challenges ahead and getting all of Canadian rowing - from those learning the sport to athletes preparing for the Beijing Olympics - to pull together," said Liski.