Football Canada has hired former CFL vice-president Kevin McDonald as their new executive director following an extensive nationwide search.
“I’m truly honoured to accept the role of Executive Director at Football Canada. This is an exciting time to be back in football. There’s a lot to celebrate, and a lot of work to do, and I’m excited to join an amazing team and get started on helping shape and build our future.” McDonald said in a statement.
“It is a privilege to be entrusted with the responsibility of not only guiding Football Canada towards a continued future of excellence on the field, but more importantly, playing a role in our shared responsibility of developing the leaders of tomorrow; using sport as a vehicle to nurture and develop people who will go on to positively impact their local communities long after their playing days are over.”
The national sports organization originally hired McDonald in April to serve a six-month term as interim director of operations. His role became permanent after an independent national search and hiring process was undertaken by recruiter K.G. Consulting in order to align with Football Canada’s Code of Conduct & Ethics.
“The leadership on the Board had confidence in Kevin’s direction since day one, and I believe the stakeholders who have engaged with him come away with that same impression,” Football Canada president Jim Mullin said as part of the announcement.
“Kevin embodies the passion and care for the sport while remaining focused on growth potential. He has the vision we’ve been seeking to finally capitalize on the opportunities football has in Canada.”
McDonald spent nearly 20 years working for the Canadian Football League, finishing his tenure as the vice president of football operations. He has since worked for Ontario Basketball.
The Ontario native’s extensive experience in sports administration is expected to provide direction and structure for the association as Canada’s flag teams strive for Olympic qualification for LA 2028, while also continuing developmental support of tackle football at all levels.
“The quality of talented leaders who applied reminded us of just how important football is in the lives of Canadians. It was a highly impressive group who stepped forward,” Mullin said regarding the hiring process.
“This hire was the most important decision this organization has made in six decades, and I believe we’ve got it right for the future of football.”
Nine provincial bodies called for Mullin’s resignation in March after learning that the organization would be undergoing a leadership transformation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, which will feature flag football for the first time. That change included the role of president, which is a volunteer position, being split into two paid positions: executive director and business operations manager.
Mullin indicated to 3DownNation at that time that he would not be immediately resigning as president, a role he’s held since 2019, though he still plans to step away after the transition is completed. He has also informed the Football Canada board that he will not be applying for the remaining vacant position.
Football Canada’s upcoming events include the IFAF World Junior Championships in Edmonton, a full slate of tackle and flag competitions, and the IFAF World Flag Championships in Lahti, Finland.
