Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) is looking for a skilled and dynamic leader to join our team!
RCA is the national governing body for the sport of rowing in Canada and is a registered Canadian charity. RCA serves a broad constituency of approximately 13,000 participants from over 153 member clubs and associations across the country and is proud to be one of Canada’s top-performing Summer Olympic sports.
We are currently seeking nominations to fill one of two positions on the RCA Board of Directors at the 2025 Annual Meeting on September 18, 2025:
- President – seeking nominations, to be elected by the membership
- Athlete Director – to be put forward by the National Team and ratified by the membership
The RCA Nominating Committee is looking for individuals who will bring diverse experiences and perspectives to the Board in the role of President and are excited to be actively involved and engaged in a dynamic organization. This is an extraordinary opportunity for someone who is passionate about RCA’s Vision, Values, and Strategic Priorities.
Candidates will have demonstrated leadership in business, finance, government, philanthropy, or the non-profit sector. Candidates do not need to have an existing connection to rowing but will have strong diplomatic skills and a natural affinity for cultivating relationships, convening, facilitating, and building consensus among diverse individuals, along with personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a passionate enthusiasm for improving the lives of RCA’s members and participants.
In addition to the qualifications described in the RCA Director Profile, the Nominating Committee is seeking a President with exceptional leadership and governance skills. The President should be an experienced leader of large organizations who brings strategic vision, a strong understanding of board governance, and the ability to guide RCA through a dynamic period of growth and change. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience chairing boards or senior committees, be comfortable representing RCA to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders (including government, funders, and the international rowing community), and possess a deep commitment to safe sport, equity, diversity, and inclusion. A collaborative leadership style, strong communication abilities, and the capacity to inspire and unify others will be key attributes for the successful candidate.
The current RCA Board consists of:
- CAROL PURCER, PRESIDENT
- LINDSAY BERGEN, ATHLETE DIRECTOR
- TRACEY BLACK, DIRECTOR AT LARGE
- MICHAEL BRYDEN, DIRECTOR AT LARGE
- CHARLES MINETT, DIRECTOR AT LARGE
- JANE STAMP, DIRECTOR AT LARGE
- DEREK VENTNOR, PROVINCIAL DIRECTOR AND TREASURER
The following terms expire as of September 18, 2025:
- CAROL PURCER, PRESIDENT
- LINDSAY BERGEN, ATHLETE DIRECTOR*
*The Athlete Director will be nominated by current National Team athletes and will serve a four-year term that aligns with the Olympic and Paralympic quadrennial.
The Nominating Committee is tasked with recruiting a slate of qualified candidates for election of the President position and putting forward the Athlete Director for ratification by the membership. The RCA By-laws direct the Committee to put forward at least one more nominee than the available number of eligible vacancies. The initial slate of candidates put forward by the Nominating Committee for the position of President will be published on or by August 4, 2025.
Following that date, further nominations may be submitted or resubmitted by members, provided they are received in the proper form by the RCA Office by August 19, 2025.
Finalists for the President position will be invited to submit a short video (3–5 minutes) after the call for nominations is closed. Finalists will be asked to introduce themselves and outline their interest in serving on the RCA Board of Directors. This video provides an opportunity for nominees to share their perspectives, highlight relevant experiences, and express their vision for contributing to RCA’s mission. While optional, the video is strongly encouraged and will be shared with the membership alongside nominee profiles to help voters make a well-informed decision.
Meetings:
RCA Board Members meet virtually, approximately ten times per year, during the evenings or weekends and at other times on an as-needed basis. Board Members also serve as liaisons to RCA Committees and Working Groups and provide leadership and guidance on an ongoing basis.
Term of Office:
Both the President and Athlete Director are elected to a four-year term commencing immediately following the end of the Annual Meeting. They may stand again for election at the end of their term.
Other Requirements:
Directors and Officers must fulfill all requirements of the Canada Corporations Act (or its successor legislation, the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act) and the Canada Revenue Agency’s requirements for Board Members of Registered Charities.
If you meet these requirements, offer some of the key competencies, and are interested in contributing your expertise to our progressive and innovative organization, please send a resume and statement of interest no later than July 20, 2025 to:
Charles Minett, Chair, RCA Nominating Committee
c/o rca@rowingcanada.org
Inquiries for additional information about the RCA Board of Directors should be directed to the Chair of the Nominating Committee at rca@rowingcanada.org or to the RCA President at president@rowingcanada.org.
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Safe Sport Commitment:
RCA believes that everyone in rowing has the right to enjoy the sport at all levels of participation. Athletes, coaches, officials, umpires, and volunteers have the right to participate in a safe and inclusive training and competitive environment that is free of abuse, harassment, or discrimination – collectively referred to as maltreatment. The welfare of everyone involved in the sport is a foremost consideration, with a particular focus on protecting children/athletes.
RCA recognizes that this is an evolving area of focus for all sports in Canada. Our Safe Sport program will continue to prioritize education, prevention, and timely response, all supported by strong governance, policies, and procedures.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At RCA, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every single qualification outlined.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and applicants will be considered for roles without regard to race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, creed, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status, or disability.
Candidates for this role will be subject to RCA’s screening process, must abide by the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport, and must sign the Canadian Safe Sport Program Consent Form.