About Us
CEO Updates
Reflecting on 2023 and Looking Ahead to 2024
Update from Megann, BC Athletics CEO
After six months in the role of CEO at BC Athletics, I am thrilled to bring you this update with some of the highlights from 2023 and what we can look forward to in 2024.
First, I want to thank BC Athletics members for their exemplary contribution to our sport in 2023. The year’s many noteworthy moments would not have been possible without the tireless effort and dedication of every member of BC Athletics. I am constantly inspired by individuals across the province who go above and beyond to support their communities.
As I reflect on 2023, numerous standout moments come to mind. These include watching our athletes compete at BC Athletics Provincial Championships across the province, hosting the 2023 Canadian 10,000m Championships and Bell Canadian Track & Field Championships in the Township of Langley, sending the U16/U18 Legion team off to the 2023 National Youth Legion Track & Field Championships and watching our BC athletes compete in Budapest, Hungary at the World Athletics Championships. Additionally, having the privilege to be trackside to watch Camryn Rogers and Ethan Katzberg in a historical moment of double GOLD in the men and women’s hammer throw was unforgettable! It was such a remarkable year for Athletics and we look forward to continuing that momentum into the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic year!
This year also brought significant organizational changes to BC Athletics with the retirement of Brian McCalder after an impressive 49 years tenure, a legacy of leadership unmatched across the country. I am grateful to Brian for the leadership and stability he provided for BC Athletics and for the support he provided to me as I transitioned into the role of CEO.
In addition to Brian’s retirement, this year we said goodbye to Clifton Cunningham, Sabrina Nettey, and Jennifer Brown (December 20), who moved on to pursue new opportunities and adventures. After 31 years at BC Athletics, Sam Collier will be retiring on December 31st to enjoy more moments with her grandchildren. I want to thank each of these individuals for their commitment to BC Athletics. It was such a pleasure working with each of you!
As we look ahead, we have welcomed five new staff members in 2023. Our goal is to enhance our ability to serve BC Athletics members and communities across all event areas in Athletics.
Hailey Kjaer joined BC Athletics in January 2023 to support Coach Education, Officials and Marketing & Communications. In February 2023, Kevin O’Connor signed on as the Non-Stadia Program Manager. Garrett Collier rejoined the team in October 2023 as the Track & Field Program Manager. In November 2023, we welcomed Kala Stone to the BC Athletics team in the Introductory Program Coordinator role and Cristi Lundman joined as the new Operations Manager! I am thrilled about the team we are building, and confident we will have organizational capacity to bring the future of BC Athletics to life.
As BC Athletics staff and the Board of Directors look ahead to 2024, there are five key priority areas where we will be focusing our efforts.
1) Governance
a. Ensuring all bylaws and policies are up to date and in accordance with sport sector best practices.
b. Providing professional development and governance training for all Board of Directors and committee members.
2) Officials/Volunteer Recruitment & Recognition
a. In 2024 we will launch the Officials Management System to help support meet directors in assigning officiating duties, recognizing officials’ contributions, and facilitating officials’ progression through the development pathway. This tool will support the advancement of officiating in BC.
3) Championship Hosting
a. Supporting Host Organizing Committees in providing an excellent competitive championship experience for our athletes.
b. Supporting communities in bidding for future National or International Championship opportunities
c. Advocating for full track & field facilities in communities throughout the province and achieving World Athletics Certification where required.
4) Community Outreach
a. Extending Run, Jump, Throw, Wheel programming into more communities through partnerships with community organizations and camps.
b. Training more teachers and high school students in the Run, Jump, Throw, Wheel program delivery.
c. Increasing engagement with the Road Running, Mountain and Trail communities.
5) High Performance Program
a. Expanding support for athletes and coaches identified as part of the BC Athletics High Performance Program through camps, professional development, and BC Team support.
In 2024, I look forward to connecting with all our member clubs and organizations to better learn how BC Athletics can support the important work you are doing in your communities and how we can collaborate on these strategic priorities.
I wish you all a restful and joyful holiday season and all the very best for 2024! I cannot wait to see how 2024 unfolds and everything we will have to celebrate a year from now! Please feel free to connect with me, I would love to hear from you!
Yours in Sport,
Megann VanderVliet
BC Athletics, CEO Megann.vandervliet@bcathletics.org