The Board of Directors of the Canadian Equestrian Federation (Equine Canada) has appointed Eva Havaris as the new CEO effective June 9, 2014.
Following a thorough search process, the Board chose Havaris for her strong fit with Equine Canada's strategic plan One Vision. In addition to her exemplary management skills and extensive sport qualifications, the Board was impressed with Havaris' executive leadership, dynamic vision and commitment to national sport organization (NSO) success.
"On behalf of the Board of Directors and myself, I am very happy to welcome Eva to the Equine Canada family. She comes to us highly respected by her peers among her fellow national sport organizations and the Canadian Olympic Committee," said Equine Canada president, Al Patterson. "The Executive Recruitment Committee and I knew immediately, upon completion of Eva's interview, that she was the next CEO for the future of Equine Canada."
In her previous position as CEO of Taekwondo Canada for the past four years, Havaris produced results against the strategic plan, redefined the terms of membership and stakeholder input, increased external financial support yearly and substantially built sport's reputation nationally and internationally.
Prior to working with Taekwondo Canada, Havaris was an Associate Director of High Performance Women's Rugby and Rugby Development Manager for Rugby Canada. In these concurrent roles, she raised the sport's profile, reinvigorated participation and programs and initiated and augmented sport funding.
A proven strategic leader, Havaris comes to Equine Canada with a Master of Arts in Sport Management from the University of Western Ontario. In addition to her NSO leadership accomplishments, Havaris was also the head coach of the University of Toronto Women's Varsity Soccer from 2008-2011.
"I am excited to join the Equine Canada team and eager to begin working with, and unifying, the entire Canadian Equine community towards achieving One Vision. The goal in the years ahead is to solidify Equine Canada's place as a prominent leader within the Canadian sport system and international equestrian community. I am truly honoured to be given this opportunity and wish to thank the entire Executive Recruitment Committee."
The Board is grateful to Michael Arbour, Equine Canada's CFO, for adding extensively to his duties by also serving as the acting CEO over the past six months.
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