RCA Leadership Update

CEO Terry Dillon Departs Rowing Canada Aviron

Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) announces the resignation of Terry Dillon from his position as Chief Executive Officer. Terry led the organization, contributing to the betterment of rowing in Canada, for the past 7 years.

In his resignation, effective June 30, 2024, Terry expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work with RCA and the collective achievements with the RCA team during his tenure.

“This is one of the hardest decisions I have ever made but I know it is the right one at the right time for me,” said Dillon. “I took this job to make a difference and I am proud of what we have achieved. Together with our community, we navigated a global pandemic, through the Community Sport for All program, we opened the doors of our boathouses a little wider and invited over 4000 Canadians from underrepresented groups to try rowing for the first time. We have done much of the hard work that was needed to elevate the athlete’s voice, address power imbalances, and shift the culture in our National Team programs. Ultimately, it is hard to step away knowing it means leaving an incredible team of people and friends. I feel grateful and privileged for the last 7 years and know the organization is in good hands moving forward.” 

The RCA Board of Directors (The RCA Board) will begin the search for a successor to fill the role. In the meantime, RCA Director of Partnerships and Sport Development, Jennifer Fitzpatrick has been appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer as of July 1, 2024.

The RCA Board would like to sincerely thank Terry for his time and commitment to the sport of rowing in Canada and wish Terry all the best in his future endeavours.

“Terry came into his role as CEO with a determination to grow rowing at all levels in Canada and he has definitely moved us forward as a sport and an organization,” said RCA President, Carol Purcer. “He has navigated through some very difficult times with a mindset that we can always do better, resulting in some progressive changes, making RCA one of Canada’s leading National Sport Organizations.”

Further updates regarding the leadership transition will be provided at a later date.