Outgoing CFLPA executive director Brian Ramsay has been hired in the same capacity by the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA).
Ramsay announced Thursday that he would be stepping down from his role with the Canadian Football League Players’ Association after nine years to pursue other career opportunities. He is expected to remain in his post until the end of September.
“I am honoured and excited for the opportunity to join the PHPA and its leadership team,” Ramsay said in a statement. “I would like to thank the PHPA search team for their commitment and patience throughout the entire process and Mr. Landon for his decades of work and stewardship in building a solid organization. I look forward to learning from the Membership and building on the great work that’s been done over the years to prioritize the needs of the current PHPA Members.”
Founded in 1967, the PHPA represents approximately 1,800 players across 60 teams throughout the American Hockey League and ECHL — the two largest minor leagues below the NHL. The organization’s former executive director, Larry Landon, announced his retirement in July.
“We are ecstatic to name Brian Ramsay as the next Executive Director of the PHPA,” executive committee member Justin Vaive said as part of the announcement. “Brian is a proven leader in sports and comes with an extensive union background on behalf of professional football players. His immediate connection to our Members was evident and we are looking forward to the direction of our union under his leadership.”
Ramsay was hired as CFLPA’s first full-time executive director in 2016 and led the union through collective bargaining negotiations in 2019 and 2022, while also hammering out amendments to the agreement in 2020 and 2021 for the COVID-19 pandemic. His tenure saw the establishment of a ground-breaking seven-year agreement which introduced revenue sharing and guaranteed contracts for the first time.
The native of Victoria, B.C. also helped spearhead major strides in player safety, including rule changes, a reduction of padded practices, and the institution of minimum helmet standards. Rehabilitation coverage for football-related injuries is now five times longer than before he took office, while CFLPA members now have access to programs focused on mental health, substance abuse, and workplace skill development to better assist them in life off the fear.
Under Ramsay’s leadership, the CFLPA helped to form and lead a coalition of professional sports unions to pursue workers’ compensation coverage for all athletes in Canada. He also strengthened ties with the United Steelworkers Union and helped the organization become an affiliate member of the Canadian Labour Congress this April, giving the players access to even greater resources.
Prior to his time leading the union, Ramsay played 10 seasons in the CFL as an offensive lineman with the Toronto Argonauts, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and Edmonton Elks. He played collegiately at the University of New Mexico, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, and later obtained Master of Business Administration from Royal Roads University.
