WCL elects its board of directors under new statutes – Wrestling Canada Lutte

Posted On: December 2, 2023

OTTAWA, ON – Wrestling Canada Lutte (WCL) is pleased to welcome and announce its new Board of Directors, elected by members at a special election meeting on November 29, 2023.

Presentation of the WCL Board of Directors 2023-2024

Director General, David Bush (one-year term)
Executive Director, Bill Haliburton (one-year term)
Managing Director, Indyra Helfrich-Linares (one-year term)
Managing Director, Theresa Vladicka (one-year term)
Executive Director, Brittanee Laverdure (2-year mandate)
Managing Director, Kim Ma (2-year term)
Managing Director, Russ Pawlyk (2-year term)

In fall 2022, WCL undertook a governance review with the support of Return to Sport funding from the Canadian Olympic Committee with the goal of addressing gaps identified in the Sport Canada Good Governance Report Card and accelerate changes to align with the Canadian Code of Sport Governance.

The process resulted in revised regulations that include the fundamental principles of the Canadian Code of Sport Governance as well as specific target requirements for board diversity, parameters around board independence and term limits. A new nomination policy and nomination committee supported and guided the board recruitment process which prioritized greater diversity, greater independence and a competency-based skillset .

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the outgoing directors for bringing their passion, insight and experience in contributing to the direction of WCL,” said Tamara Medwidsky, CEO of WCL. “This group has been instrumental in supporting governance changes that will help us become a better organization, make better decisions, and be more inclusive and representative of our wrestling community. We are in extremely capable hands with this new, highly skilled, independent and diverse team and we are excited about the opportunity to lead and positively impact the community as we approach an Olympic year.

The Nominating Committee was instructed to initiate a process to find suitable candidates for two vacant positions (Retired Athlete Administrators and Retired Coach Administrators) for recommendation and appointment to the new Board of Directors in a near future. Appointments for the president, secretary, treasurer and executive committee will take place in the new year.