Canmore, Alberta (January 2, 2024) – Biathlon Canada’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Kerry Dankers as Chief Executive Officer. Kerry, who will be based in Calgary, joins Biathlon Canada with a strong background of excellence as an Olympic Athlete in Speed Skating, in sport leadership and management, and as a coach and volunteer. She will begin her role on January 15, 2024.
“I’m delighted to join the Biathlon Canada community as its CEO”, said Dankers. “It’s a tremendous opportunity to work with a high performance organization that has so much genuine potential. I’m looking forward to collaboratively planning and actioning initiatives with the team that align with the culture of biathlon and move it further into a sustainable and well performing sport at all levels on and off the snow.”
Most recently, Kerry has held the position of Business Operations Manager of the Olympic Oval at the University of Calgary, where she has worked since 2018. She has also worked in the High Performance Long Track program of Speed Skating Canada attending the 2018 Olympics as a staff member and coached speed skating both in Canada and the Netherlands.
Kerry brings a holistic philosophy that sets the groundwork for growth and the ability to face challenges, believing that this approach holds true for grassroots members, high performance athletes and staff alike. Her work and lived experience across all facets of sport, from the playing field to the NSO office, as a volunteer Director, business operations manager, parent of young athletes, and participant for life gives Biathlon Canada a professional who is well rounded and ready to lead the organization.
Kerry competed on the Canadian Olympic and National Speed Skating Team from 2002 to 2010, representing Canada at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy. She was also named the Saskatchewan Sport Female Athlete of the Year in 2005.
“Kerry comes to Biathlon Canada with a passion for the development and advancement of biathlon in Canada through the lenses of both an athlete and a sport leader,” said Mike Walker, Chair of the Biathlon Canada Board of Directors. “Her proven experience in management and in sport will support the achievement of our strategic goals and benefit both Biathlon Canada and the broader Canadian biathlon community moving forward. We’re thrilled to welcome Kerry and look forward to working with her.”
Walker added, “On behalf of Biathlon Canada’s Board of Directors, I’d also like to thank Heather Ambery for over five years of service to our organization. Heather’s tireless efforts as the CEO of Biathlon Canada has served to strengthen Canadian biathlon at all levels.” Heather left the CEO position on December 15 for a new role as the Associate Athletic Director at the University of Calgary.
About Biathlon Canada
Biathlon Canada is a non-profit organization recognized by the Government of Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee as the national governing body for biathlon in Canada, representing approximately 2,000 registered members. Biathlon Canada is a member of the Canadian Olympic Committee and the International Biathlon Union.
For more information about Biathlon Canada, please visit biathloncanada.ca or contact us at info@biathloncanada.ca.