Courtesy: Swimming Canada
OTTAWA – Swimming Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of its new board of directors for 2024-25, including the election of new executive positions.
Sue Owen, who joined the board last year, will move into the role of president, replacing Mary C. Lyne, who stepped down at the end of her term. Pan Am Games medallist Zack Chetrat will join her on the executive as vice-president, while Dawn Wilson continues in her role as secretary.
Joining the board as newly elected members from the Sept. 28 annual general meeting in Calgary are Luc Bisaillon, Justina Di Fazio and Mark Fraser.
Owen brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She competed for 14 years at the age group (Hamilton Aquatic Club), university (Waterloo), and Masters (Toronto’s Granite Club) levels. Additionally, she has coached both age group and Masters swimmers. She is a high-achieving senior executive with expertise in strategic business planning, stakeholder engagement, revenue development, innovation, and transformation.
“I feel honoured to be part of a great team of like-minded individuals who place their trust in my leadership,” Owen said. “No swimmer gets to the top without having a strong team – other swimmers, coaches, family – around them. The same is very true in life and leadership. None of us gets there alone.”
Owen recently took on a new role as President and CEO of the Canadian College of Health Leaders after seven years as President of Impreza Consulting, a boutique consultancy focused on strategy, board governance, and organizational effectiveness. She has worked with more than 50 boards across North America, primarily focusing on governance effectiveness and strategic planning. Previously, she held senior positions at Philips Canada and KPMG Canada.
She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Waterloo (Kinesiology) a Masters in Health Science from the University of Toronto (Health Administration) and is pursuing a PhD at York University. She is also a Certified Health Executive, a Level 1 Coach and has a Diploma in Facilitation Skills.
Her volunteer experience includes five years working at Covenant House as a youth mentor. In addition to swimming, she enjoys tennis and golf in her spare time.
Acting CEO Suzanne Paulins said she is looking forward to working with this year’s board.
“Welcome to the three new board members and congratulations to the executive. I look forward to working with Sue and the entire board over the coming year to further the governance practices that make the Swimming Canada board best in class for national sport organizations.”
Paulins also thanked outgoing members Peter Szmidt, Meaghan Sharp, and especially Lyne, who joined the board in 2018 and had been president since 2021.
“We appreciated how Mary stepped into the president role unexpectedly in September 2021 while the pandemic was still impacting our sport, our community, and the country,” Paulins said. “Through her leadership on the board, she led the work partnering with the Canadian Swimming Coaches Association to complete a limited review, resulting in concrete actions that are assisting both organizations to move forward collaboratively. Personally, I have appreciated Mary’s guidance and support over the past two and a half years. Her sage advice has always been thoughtful and has provided great direction to help me move forward.”
After overseeing her final AGM, Lyne reflected on her time as president.
“My highlight is seeing the continued success of the athletes, the presence of Canada on the international stage and the continued relationships between Swimming Canada and all of its membership including provinces, clubs, volunteers and officials,” Lyne said. “I want to wish the organization all the best on its next quad leading towards LA 2028 and I hope to see people on the pool deck. I’ll be at competitions in future years as a spectator.”
About Zack Chetrat: Zack Chetrat has competed at all levels of the sport. His career highlights include a silver medal at the 2015 Pan American Games and being named University of Toronto’s male athlete of the year a record three times. He works as a Partner and Relationship Manager with EdgePoint Wealth Management. Throughout his career in finance, Zack has remained heavily involved in the swimming community, including being elected to the Athlete’s Council, organizing a variety of events in Toronto, and engaging in multiple mentorship opportunities.
About Justina Di Fazio: Justina Di Fazio is a senior litigation associate with Woods LLP Montreal, where she has worked since 2017. She has been a member of the Quebec Bar since 2015 and practices in the areas of corporate and commercial litigation, employment law, and professional liability. She has experience in litigation relating to Safe Sport requirements and governance issues at a national sport organization. She swam for the Oakville Aquatic Club, was an Olympic Trials level swimmer, competed at NCAA championships, and was an Academic All-American and co-captain for Princeton University.
About Luc Bisaillon: Luc Bisaillon is a longstanding member of the Quebec swimming community who has been involved in managing clubs, restructuring and resolving important issues, improving governance at the provincial level, and serving as an official and member of a local organizing committee. He was a key figure in this year’s move of Trials to Toronto from Montreal on short notice due to the closure of the Olympic Pool. His corporate career includes 25 years with RBC, where he held roles as managing director and vice-president. He has demonstrated strong financial expertise and a focus on governance.
About Mark Fraser: Mark Fraser, ICD.D, is an alumnus of Mount Allison University and Harvard Business School, and he earned his ICD.D designation through the ICD-Rotman Directors Education Program at the University of Toronto. Recognized as one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40™ by Caldwell Partners, he is the founder and principal of the independent advisory firm 440park. He has held senior management and C-level positions at a mid-sized North American consulting firm, leading key functional areas and transformation projects for major brands. His governance experience includes leadership roles at various private, community, and public sector boards. A lifelong swimmer, he was an age-group and varsity swimmer and is now a Masters swimmer with aspirations for the 2027 World Masters Championships.
The other returning board members are Matt Dans, Migan Megardichian and Tehani Mott.
Can’t wait to see what incredible things SC will embark upon now….