The Edmonton Elks have hired Rick LeLacheur to serve as their interim president.
“Over the years I’ve been rewarded with great memories and friendships from my time working in the CFL, including during my decade as president and CEO in Edmonton. I was humbled when I was approached with this opportunity, as it’s a chance for me to repay in some small way everything the Green and Gold has given me over the years,” said LeLacheur in a statement.
“My wife Joan and I are excited to rejoin the EE family and play a part in positioning the club for future success.”
The veteran executive most recently served as the president of the B.C. Lions, a role he held for four seasons before retiring following the 2022 campaign. He previously served as the president of Edmonton’s CFL team for a decade from 2002 to 2012, a tenure during which the club made the playoffs eight times and won two Grey Cups.
In 2022, LeLacheur was given the Hugh Campbell Distinguished Leadership Award, which is presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated great leadership and made significant contributions to the CFL.
The move came one one week after the team parted ways with president and CEO Victor Cui in what was termed a mutual decision. The 51-year-old was hired in January 2022 to succeed Chris Presson, who was fired following the 2021 season. This will make LeLacheur the third president Edmonton has had in as many years.
“As we began the process of searching for an interim president and CEO, Rick’s name was at the top of our list. His tremendous passion for the club, proven track record, and the respect he holds from his peers across the CFL made him the perfect candidate. He’s the right person to lead our staff during this pivotal period in the club’s history,” said Tom Richards, the chair of the team’s board of directors.
Richards recently denied that the team is in financial trouble as its reserve fund remains in excess of $10 million. However, he acknowledged that there are some financial concerns as the club recorded a net operating loss of $3.3 million in 2022.
The Elks are a community-owned team and Richards said the franchise isn’t considering pursuing private ownership at this time. He also said the team expects to have a new permanent president in place by the end of the year.
The Elks (1-9) are scheduled to host the Ottawa Redblacks (3-7) on Sunday, Aug. 27 with kickoff slated for 7:00 p.m. EDT. The teams met at TD Place Stadium back in Week 4 with the Redblacks winning by a score of 26-7.
