(OTTAWA, ON) – Pickleball Canada is pleased to announce the results of its 2023 Board of Directors election, following its Annual Meeting held by video conference on Wednesday, June 28, 2023. Val Vollmin was elected by the new Board to serve as the President of Pickleball Canada. Pickleball Canada’s membership voted to elect 9 directors from a slate of 14 total nominees. Seven directors will serve a two-year term, and two directors will serve a one-year term.
The newly elected members include:
- David Edwards
- Rod Hamilton
- Eileen McClean
- Bryan Merritt
- Jason Mohrbutter
- Brian Rychlicki
- Steven Sagal
- Val Vollmin
- Beverley Walker
These new members join the existing board of:
- Leigh Bradwell
- Deanna Christie
- Cynthia Clark
- France Emery
- Hirsch Greenberg
- Daphne Micallef Reid
- Pat Morrison
- Garth White
“I am excited to assume the role of President of Pickleball Canada’s Board of Directors”, said Val Vollmin. “I am pleased with the composition of the new Board and look forward to facilitating the continued growth of pickleball within Canada. I want to acknowledge and applaud the very good work done by the departing members of the Pickleball Canada Board of Directors – Peter Milovanovic, Karen Rust, Jacqueline Clarke, Dave Best, Robert Hogue, Rose Sawatzky, and Alan Thomson who have all volunteered countless hours in their various roles with Pickleball Canada. With only a small complement of staff, the commitment and effort contributed by all our volunteers has been a key factor in the continued growth of pickleball in Canada. The Board is committed to working in the best interests of our members, from Coast to Coast to Coast.”
The role of Pickleball Canada’s Board of Directors is to provide overall strategic direction, leadership, and stability for the organization. The Board establishes the overall mission and purpose for the organization and is responsible for a number of key governance-related activities. These include approving the appointment of – and providing direction to – the senior leadership team as well as the development and adoption of organizational policies, financial oversight, and approval of the annual budget.
Pickleball remains the fastest growing sport worldwide, with an estimated 1.37 million pickleball players across Canada and the number is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. Pickleball Canada hosts national and regional events and administers programs to promote and grow pickleball across the country. Pickleball Canada’s purpose is to develop and sustain a dynamic, integrated Canadian system that promotes participation, competition, and excellence in pickleball. Its mission is to assist and promote the growth of Pickleball as a sport for all ages and to establish rules, policies, and standards for the good governance of the sport in Canada.
The 2023-2024 Pickleball Canada Board of Directors is as follows:
| Role | Name | Hometown |
|---|---|---|
| President | Val Vollmin | Eckville, AB |
| Vice President, Operations | Beverley Walker | Calgary, AB |
| Vice President, Sport | Daphne Micallef Reid | LaSalle, ON |
| Treasurer | Rod Hamilton | Courtenay, BC |
| Secretary | Brian Rychlicki | Winnipeg, MB |
| Director-at-Large | Leigh Bradwell | Toronto, ON |
| Director-at-Large | Deanna Christie | Kingston, ON |
| Director-at-Large | Cynthia Clark | Calgary, AB |
| Director-at-Large | David Edwards | Spruce Grove, AB |
| Director-at-Large | Eileen McClean | St. Albert, AB |
| Director-at-Large | Bryan Merritt | Thunder Bay, ON |
| Director-at-Large | Jason Mohrbutter | Regina, SK |
| Director-at-Large | Steven Sagal | Regina, SK |
| Director-at-Large | Peter Walker | Calgary, AB |
| Regional Director British Columbia & Yukon | Garth White | Whistler, BC |
| Regional Director Prairies | Hirsch Greenberg | Regina, SK |
| Regional Director Ontario | Daphne Micallef Reid | LaSalle, ON |
| Regional Director Quebec | France Emery | Laval, QC |
| Regional Director Atlantic | Pat Morrison | Inverness, NS |
For more information, please contact: val.vollmin@pickleballcanada.org