Rowing Canada CEO Terry Dillon to Step Down Ahead of 2024 Olympics
Rowing Canada CEO Terry Dillon to Step Down Ahead of 2024 Olympics
VICTORIA – After seven years at the helm of Rowing Canada, chief executive officer Terry Dillon has announced his resignation, effective June 30. Dillon’s departure comes just ahead of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, where Canadian rowers will be looking to make their mark on the international stage.
In a statement released by Rowing Canada, Dillon expressed his pride in the accomplishments made during his tenure, stating, “This is one of the hardest decisions I have ever made, but I know it is the right one at the right time. I took this job to make a difference and I am proud of what we achieved.”
Jennifer Fitzpatrick, Rowing Canada’s director of partnerships and sport development, will step in as interim CEO starting July 1 as the organization prepares for the upcoming Games.
With Olympic rowing set to take place from July 27 to Aug. 3 and Paralympic rowing from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1, Canadian athletes are gearing up for competition. The women’s eight, which secured gold in Tokyo, along with the women’s lightweight double, have already qualified for Paris. The men’s eight and women’s quadruple sculls will have a final chance to qualify at an Olympic qualifier in Lucerne, Switzerland.
Despite recent challenges within the organization, including the dismissal of head coach Dave Thompson in 2020 following athlete complaints of bullying and maltreatment, Rowing Canada remains committed to improving its high-performance culture. The organization has pledged to implement all recommendations from a 2022 report by the law firm Rubin-Thomlinson.
As Rowing Canada looks towards a new chapter with a change in leadership, President Carol Purcer praised Dillon for his dedication to the sport, stating, “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.”
As the countdown to the 2024 Olympics continues, Canadian rowers will be aiming to build on their past successes and make their mark on the international stage under new leadership.