World champion Jeff Powell takes over as Rowing Canada chief executive officer

By The Canadian Press on December 18, 2024.

Water pours off the oar blade of Canada's Conlin McCabe at the start of the men's pair rowing semifinal event during the Tokyo Summer Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Wednesday, July 28, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

VICTORIA – Olympic rower Jeff Powell has been named the new chief executive officer of Rowing Canada.

The 48-year-old from Winnipeg, who was a two-time world champion in the men’s eight, was executive director of the Canadian Sport Centre Manitoba for a decade and a member of Rowing Canada’s board.

“I am tremendously excited to return more fully to the sport and the organization that has been such an enormous part of my life,” Powell said Wednesday in a statement.

“I look forward to working with Canada’s rowing community to support the sport we all care about and to focus on building a strong and connected future together.”

Jennifer Fitzpatrick served as interim CEO after Terry Dillon resigned June 30.

While the women’s eight won silver at the Olympic Games in August, only two Canadian boats qualified for Paris after 10 raced in Tokyo in 2021. The women’s lightweight doubles sculls duo placed eighth.

Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender Jacob Wassermann was Canada’s lone para rower in Paris.

A men’s eight hasn’t competed in the Olympic Games since a silver medal in 2012.

Powell was a member of the crew that placed fifth in Athens, Greece, in 2004 after winning world titles in 2002 and 2003.

“Jeff’s passion for the sport combined with his leadership will deliver success for RCA, both on and off the water,” said Rowing Canada’s board chair Michael Bryden said in the statement.

“As we continue to evolve our strategic direction and build upon the great legacy and potential of our sport, we are confident Jeff will help elevate and strengthen our organization and our rowing communities.”

Powell takes over Feb. 3 as CEO.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 18, 2024.