Memorandum
June 11, 2026
To: Pickleball Canada Membership
From: Laurie Bonten, Nominations Standing Committee Chair
Copies: Pickleball Canada Board of Directors
Subject: Board of Directors Nominations 2026
The Pickleball Canada Nominations Committee, comprised of three independent members and two Pickleball Canada Board members, has reviewed the information submitted by seventy-eight applicants. Each application was carefully assessed in accordance with the criteria outlined in Section 4.4 of the Pickleball Canada Bylaws.
We were extremely pleased with the response received this year. The seventy-eight applications reflected a strong commitment from individuals across Canada who are dedicated to supporting the continued growth, governance, and success of pickleball in Canada.
We would also like to acknowledge the exceptional quality of this year’s applicant pool. The Nominations Committee found that many of the candidates possessed the skills, experience, and commitment necessary to contribute meaningfully to the governance of Pickleball Canada. In making its recommendations, the Committee considered not only the qualifications of individual applicants, but also the current composition of the Board and the specific skills, expertise, and competencies identified as priorities for the upcoming term. The recommended slate reflects the Committee’s assessment of the candidates who are best positioned to address those identified gaps and support the strategic needs of the organization at this time.
Following its review, the Nominations Committee has determined that:
- Five (5) applicants are recommended for election to the Board; and
- An additional four (4) additional applicants have been deemed qualified candidates.
In accordance with the election process set out in the Bylaws, the recommended candidates will be presented to the membership as a slate for approval at the Annual General Meeting. Members will vote on the recommended slate as presented by the Nominating Sub-Committee.
Should the recommended slate not be approved by the membership, the election process will proceed to an individual candidate election. In that event, each qualified candidate who has confirmed their willingness to stand for election will be provided an opportunity to address the membership with a brief statement of up to one minute prior to voting.
To maintain the Board’s staggered term structure and support continuity of governance, the slate includes four candidates recommended to serve three-year terms and one candidate recommended for a one-year term.
The slate of five recommended candidates is as follows, listed by term length in alphabetical order:
- 3-year term – Mark Borgares
- 3-year term – Gina Iandiorio
- 3-year term – Ronald Marion
- 3-year term – Wendy Pattenden
- 1 year term – Veronique Giry
The list of all qualified nominees, in alphabetical order, includes the individuals recommended in the slate as well as Isabelle Laliberte, Tyler Mosher, Chris Vilcsak and Aarij Wasti.
Executive Bios for each candidate, if provided by the candidate to Pickleball Canada, are linked to the candidates name above.
I would like to thank the members of the Nominations Committee for their time, diligence, and thoughtful consideration throughout this process. Their commitment to ensuring a thorough nominations process is greatly appreciated. I would also like to thank all candidates who put their names forward in service to Pickleball Canada and our membership.