Quebec’s Ted Kalil Named New Chair of Nordiq Canada’s Board of Directors

CANMORE, Alta.—Quebec’s Ted Kalil will take the reins, guiding Nordiq Canada into a new era while serving as Chair of the Board Directors.

An energetic leader, vice-president and director, portfolio manager with RBC Dominion Securities, Kalil brings a lifelong passion for skiing to his Board position. The Montreal native was elected for the position of Chair for a one-year term by the 11-member Board of Directors following the organization’s recent Annual General Meeting.

“It is an absolute honour for me to accept the Chair position and build on the momentum created by our outgoing Chair, Jennifer Tomlinson, who worked tirelessly during her tenure to lead us through a rebrand of the national sport organization, guide us through a transition in leadership and help our sport navigate its way through a global pandemic,” said Kalil, who first joined the Nordiq Canada Board three years ago.

Tomlinson remains on the Board as an independent director.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to continue to work with Jennifer and a Board of experienced professionals, that is national in scope and representation, and is committed to seeing Canadian cross-country ski athletes win on the international stage while continuing to grow participation in our sport.”

Kalil brings extensive leadership and governance experience. He served four years as the Board Chair for Fast and Female – a charitable organization founded in 2005 by Olympic cross-country skiing gold-medallist, Chandra Crawford, to keep girls healthy and active. Kalil also serves as a member of the Board of Directors at Lower Canada College Foundation, and the Camp Nominingue Advisory Board.

“Be it sport or business, the goal in my mind is the same – set aspirational goals and deliver excellence by building a team of professionals who are united under a vision they believe in,” said Kalil. “This is true for Nordiq Canada. If we truly want to be successful on the world stage, I believe we need to work together as one united team across the country. Given this, my immediate focus will be to continue pushing for open communication and collaboration between the Board, our Divisions, the staff, our athletes and National Team alumni.”

An avid Masters cross-country skier who is a member of Ski de Fond Montreal, Kalil exemplifies cross-country skiing as a sport for life – a belief he is looking to spark in others, find new ways to continue to capitalize on the sport’s growth at all levels during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This past year was a fantastic example of the power of our dual mandate. The dramatic growth in membership that we saw at our Clubs across Canada during this pandemic is a testament to the benefits that our sport brings: physical and mental health; and strong communities,” said Kalil. “At the same time, our elite athletes demonstrated incredible resilience while staying ready for international competition where they delivered personal-best and medal-winning performances. It promises to be an exciting journey to the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and beyond.”

Kalil will lead a mix of new and familiar faces who serve as independent directors on the Board.  Jo Wolach (Space Dogs Ski Club, AB), who was previously on the Board as the Division Chair Council representative, returns as an independent director. Derek Estabrook (Halifax Nordic Club, NS) also returns for his second term.

Morgan Rogers (Caledonia Nordic Ski Club, BC), who is a PhD student with specialization in equity, diversity and inclusion in addition to working as a coach and development coordinator at Fast and Female, joins the Board for her first three-year term, along with longtime Nordiq Canada member, Anton Scheier (Nakkertok Nordic, QC). Brennan Craig (Regina Ski Club, SK) will be the Division Chairs Council representative.

The following independent directors are halfway through their term and will continue to serve on the Board: Sarah Daitch (Ski de Fond Montreal, QC); Scott Hill (Athlete Representative, Team Hardwood, ON); Laura Inkila (Athlete Representative, Lappe Nordic, ON); and Charlotte MacNaughton (Canmore Nordic, AB).

Nordiq Canada would also like to extend sincere thanks to outgoing Board members – Patricia MacDonnell, and Jeff Sim – for their longstanding commitment to the growth and development of cross-country skiing in Canada.

Nordiq Canada is the governing body of para-nordic and cross-country skiing in Canada, which is the nation’s optimal sport and recreational activity with more than two million Canadians participating annually. Its 77,000 members include athletes, coaches, officials and skiers of all ages and abilities. With the support of its valued corporate partners – Haywood Securities Inc., AltaGas, Swix and Lanctôt Sports and Auclair– along with the Government of Canada, Canadian Olympic Committee, Canadian Paralympic Committee, Own the Podium and B2Ten, Nordiq Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic and World champions. For more information on Nordiq Canada, please visit us at www.nordiqcanada.ca.