Ottawa – The Canada Games Council (CGC) is thrilled to welcome five new members to its Board of Directors following an extensive, nationwide search to add to the organization’s governance team.

Executive leaders Ann Duffy, Sean O’Donnell, Lyn Radford, Sheri Somerville and David Thibodeau all join the CGC Board for four-year terms and will help propel the Council forward within the priorities outlined in its 2022-2026 Strategic Plan.  

“We are delighted to welcome Ann, Sean, Lyn, Sheri and David to the Board,” said CGC Chair Evan Johnston. “Their unique skill sets and vast leadership experience will support the evolution of the Canada Games Movement as we strive to strengthen the fabric of Canada through the power of sport by sparking greatness in future leaders, celebrating Canada’s diversity and championing sustainable communities. Thank you to the Nominations Committee for their oversight of this process and to all of the accomplished applicants who put their names forward for consideration.”

The new additions replace outgoing directors Sue Boreskie, Cheri Bradish, Anthony Everett and Blair McIntosh, as well as previously departed directors Andy Gross and Elaine Roper.

“On behalf of the Board and the entire Canada Games community, I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Sue, Cheri, Anthony, Andy, Blair and Elaine for their unwavering passion and immense contributions to the Canada Games and their tireless volunteerism in support of the Council over the years,” said Johnston.

Please see more background on the new Board members below.

Ann Duffy (Whistler, B.C.)

As a seasoned leader in the sustainability, sport, legacy and engagement space, Duffy brings more than 35 years of professional experience to the table. She is the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Board Advisor and Chief Sustainability Officer for MI Global Partners – a global firm specializing in events, sport and place – and she has operated her own advisory firm, The Ann Duffy Group Inc., since 2010.

Sean O’Donnell (Ottawa, Ont.)

Fluently bilingual, O’Donnell is a longtime executive within the federal public service. He has extensive experience with the Canadian sport system, high performance sport and the athlete development pathway thanks to previous leadership roles with Sport Canada and Cycling Canada. His knowledge of the national and multi-sport organization landscape and Canadian sport will be a valuable asset to the Canada Games Movement.

Lyn Radford (Red Deer, Alta.)

A Cree Métis and family business owner, Radford brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in revenue generation for non-profit and sport organizations to the CGC Board, as well as a Host Society leadership lens. She is the former Chair of the Red Deer 2019 Canada Winter Games, and guided the Host Society to raise the most revenue in Canada Games history, at $12M.

Sheri Somerville (Saint John, N.B.)

A successful business executive, entrepreneur, and award-winning PR consultant to some of the nation’s leading companies, Somerville brings expertise in the areas of strategic leadership, non-profit governance, business and organizational development and communications to the table. She has spent more than 25 years empowering clients, employers, and boards to build trust and relationships through strategic communications and PR. She is currently the CEO of the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce.

David Thibodeau (Saint John, N.B.)

A Canada Games alum in swimming, Thibodeau is thought leader in sport, policy and inclusion. A member of the federal public service, he is also the founder of Sports for Social Impact – an initiative to increase awareness and elevate the discussion of sport for environmental, social and economic development in Canada and around the world. He is also an advocate for the 2SLGBTQ+ community and an ambassador for You Can Play.

About the Canada Games Council

The Canada Games Council, a private, non-profit organization, is the governing body for the Canada Games. Held once every two years, alternating between winter and summer, the Canada Games represent the highest level of national competition for up and coming Canadian athletes. The Games have been hosted in every province at least once since their inception in Quebec City during Canada’s Centennial in 1967. The Games are proud of their contribution to Canada’s sport development system, in addition to their lasting legacy of sport facilities, community pride and national unity. The organization of the Canada Games is made possible through the tireless dedication of local Host Societies and the contribution and support of the federal, provincial/territorial and host municipal governments.

The office is located in Ottawa, Ontario, on the traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabek People.