Ottawa, ON, November 4th, 2025 – Gymnastics Canada (GymCan) is pleased to welcome Debra Armstrong as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective March 2, 2026. This appointment underscores GymCan’s commitment to excellence in operational leadership of the national sports organization, its continuous efforts towards profound cultural change, and its dedication to advancing high performance excellence grounded in safe sport, individual well-being, and community development.
As the new CEO, Debra Armstrong will oversee all aspects of GymCan’s operations and lead the implementation and operationalization of the 2025-2028 Strategic Plan and beyond, focusing on high performance excellence through strong partnerships with Sport Canada, Own the Podium, the Canadian Olympic Committee, and, critically, with our Provincial and Territorial Sports Organizations (PTSOs).
Under Debra’s leadership, GymCan will support high performance excellence of Team Canada across all targeted gymnastics disciplines, diversify and strengthen revenue generation opportunities, and contribute to the vision of developing gymnastics as a foundational competitive and recreational sport in Canada, for a healthier and happier nation. Debra will report directly to the Board of Directors.
Prior to joining GymCan, Debra Armstrong served as CEO of Skate Canada since 2016, leading national sport development with remarkable success. A lawyer by training, she held senior executive roles at MBNA Canada Bank and TD Bank, where she led major financial integrations. She is a past President of Volleyball Canada and has served on multiple boards and committees, with current appointments to the Board of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario and the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Audit, Finance and Risk Management Committee. With over 30 years of experience in law, finance, and sport governance, Armstrong brings entrepreneurial insight and strategic leadership to national institutions. Her career reflects a commitment to transformation, collaboration, and excellence across both private and not-for-profit sectors.
Debra will begin her integration with GymCan in January of 2026 through a part-time consultancy and join the organization full-time as of March 2, 2026, following the conclusion of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. GymCan extend its thanks to the Board of Skate Canada for collaborating in this transition of leadership between the two organizations.
“I am grateful to GymCan for the opportunity to be part of such a dynamic organization. The commitment to supporting athletes, elevating safe sport and governance practices, and strengthening partnerships with like-minded organizations, including the provincial and territorial gymnastics organizations across Canada, is world class. I am looking forward to what lies ahead,” said Debra Armstrong.
“We are thrilled to welcome Debra Armstrong at part of our large gymnastics family!” said Wendy Smith, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Debra’s outstanding portfolio and proven record of success as a leader of a national sports organization in Canada, her uncompromising commitment to the well-being of all members of our community, and her remarkable personal and professional qualities set GymCan on a new path to great success. I extend my deep gratitude to Michael Downey, Interim CEO, for ensuring strong leadership and operational integrity throughout 2025 during this pivotal moment of cultural transformation.”
“Debra understands from experience the importance of a seamless partnership with the gymnastics PTSOs. The more we are truly joined up, the stronger our sport will be from grassroots to the Olympic podium. We look forward to her leadership and contribution to the health and well-being of our great sport”, said Josée Gélinas, CEO of Gymnastics Quebec.
Media Contact
Katia Perin
Director, Communications, Marketing and Events
comms@gymcan.org