PAUL OSLAND APPOINTED CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF ATHLETICS ONTARIO
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TORONTO, Ontario — February 14, 2018 — The Board of Athletics Ontario (AO) today announced the appointment of Mr. Paul Osland to the role of Chief Executive Officer, effective April 2, 2018.
Mr. Osland joins AO from GS1 Canada, where he is Vice President of Industry Relations. GS1 Canada is a not-for-profit organization committed to fostering the continuous development and adoption of global supply chain standards in Canada. Prior to his seventeen years with GS1, Mr. Osland held the position of Director, Professional Services for an e-Commerce firm and the position of Senior Manager, E-Commerce/Support Services with a major Canadian retailer. Over his fifteen-year career at this retailer, Mr. Osland was responsible for their e-commerce systems as well as identifying web-based solutions to optimize business processes.
Mr. Osland brings extensive business development and corporate experience combined with his entrepreneurial venture capital experience will enable him to help drive the continued development and promotion of the sport of athletics in Ontario. In addition, he has 25 plus years of progressively responsible leadership roles in both the business world and athletics community.
“His proven track record for translating vision into action will significantly bolster the Association’s efforts to meet and exceed its strategic prioritiesâ€, said Lisa Ferdinand, Chair of AO’s Board of Directors.
Mr. Osland was a member of the Canadian national team (1987 – 1992) at the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, Pan American Games and many other international events. He holds the Ontario Open Indoor 600m record, which he set back in 1985, and continues to truly exemplify the belief in ‘athletics for life’. Since competing at the Masters level, Mr. Osland has won 16 World Masters Indoor and Outdoor Championship medals. In 2017, he won gold in both the 800m and 1500m at the World Masters Indoor Championships in Daegu, South Korea and was named Ontario Masters Athlete of the Year.
As an active member within the athletics community, Mr. Osland has been the President of Canadian Masters Athletics (CMA) since 2009; Vice-President of Ontario Masters Athletics (OMA), 2007-2009 and Vice-Chair of Athletics Ontario Board of Directors from 2014-2016.
“There is enormous potential for Athletics Ontario ahead, and we couldn’t be happier with Paul joining our team. We are delighted to have found an individual with his background, skills and passion for the sport of athletics to lead the Association to new levels of success. His experience and leadership skills will be key to our drive towards making a profound and positive impact on athletics in Canada; providing significant value to our members and the athletics community; and ensuring future sustainability and growth for our organization,†commented Ms. Ferdinand.
“I’m excited to be part of Athletics Ontario’s already strong team and to contribute innovative ideas to an organization devoted to delivering outstanding results,†said Mr. Osland.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, Mr. Osland will be responsible for Athletics Ontario’s success in fulfilling its vision, mission, and strategic priorities to ensure AO is on track to become a national leader in the athletics community.
– AO –