VANCOUVER – Canadian Sport Institute Pacific is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Hope to the position of Chair of the Board. The appointment took place at the society’s recent Annual General Meeting, which was held on June 23, 2013. Hope has been a member of the Board since 2010, during which time he has displayed both the sport sector knowledge and leadership skills necessary to excel as the Chair. The skills-based Board oversees Canadian Sport Institute Pacific’s delivery of sport performance programs and services to high performance athletes and coaches in British Columbia.
As the Executive Director, Brand Development for Coast Hotels, which is one of Canada’s largest hotel brands, Hope has over 25 years’ experience in the hospitality industry with specific expertise in operations, sales, marketing and development. He helped lead the creation of the Coast Arts & Athletic Program, which provided over $350,000 to local athletes. In addition to his commitment to the Canadian Sport Institute Pacific, Hope is also an active volunteer for the North Delta Baseball Association and several hospitality industry organizations.
“We are excited to announce the selection of Mark Hope as our Chair,” said Giuseppe Liberatore, former Chair of the Board (2008-2013) and current Director. “Mark has been a fundamental part of the board for the past three years and I know he will lead the team with tremendous passion and experience to ensure BC based athletes and coaches have every opportunity to win more medals for Canada.”
Five new directors were also appointed to the Board at the recent AGM. Blair Whitmarsh, Bob Gurney, Janine North, Jack Miller and Joan Swain all accepted three year terms and will serve as volunteer Directors until June 30, 2016.
Outgoing directors include Dave Cutler, Lorne Friesen and Murray Hall. Each of these three Directors served one three year term.
“I would like to take this opportunity to welcome our new directors and also thank those who have completed their terms,” said Wendy Pattenden, CEO of Canadian Sport Institute Pacific. “Our team is extremely fortunate to have the guidance of such talented people as we strive to ensure Canada is one of the top sporting nations in the world.”