Jim Mullin has withdrawn as the president of Football Canada but will continue as the general secretary for the International Federation of American Football (IFAF).
“I believe now that I can leave the organization in the capable hands of Peter Baxter as chair, the board, executive director Kevin McDonald and the staff. I am confident the team can deliver on the work invested over the last year by leaders on the board and myself to provide an athlete-centric national association focused on growth, visibility and partnerships,” said Mullin in a statement.
“I am truly excited and honoured to fully commit to the sport’s global growth through my work with my trusted colleagues at IFAF.”
Mullin served as the president of Football Canada for six years, during which the nation hosted an IFAF World Junior Football Championship in Edmonton, a path of compliance with the Canadian Sports Governance Code was established, a partnership was struck with NFL Canada, reserve fund objectives were met, the development of Indigenous football was supported, and the association was expanded to new stakeholders.
“Jim Mullin has reset the fundamentals for Football Canada to compete on the international level while stabilizing our operations during a highly challenging year,” said executive director Kevin McDonald.
“His exemplary commitment guided the organization through a demanding transition as we gear up for the Olympic Quadrennial. Thanks to his leadership, Football Canada is now ready to pursue national and international business. As we step into this next chapter with Peter and the board, we are poised to professionalize our operations and set a clear path for growth.”
Peter Baxter has been appointed the new chairperson of Football Canada and will now occupy the role of officer of the president until bylaws are updated next month. Baxter, the former athletic director at Laurier University, joined the organization last month.
“Jim Mullin’s leadership has positioned Football Canada for unprecedented growth,” said Baxter. “I am honoured to lead the organization at this exciting time. We are committed to enhancing athlete development, strengthening coaching, and raising the bar for officiating while ensuring we operate with the highest professional standards.”
McDonald, who previously served as the vice-president of the CFL, was hired as the interim managing director of Football Canada in April before becoming the organization’s full-time executive director two months later.
Nine provincial bodies called for Mullin’s resignation in March after learning that Football Canada would be undergoing a leadership transformation ahead of 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.
“Change by its nature is uncomfortable, and we have experienced this over the last year,” said Mullin. “What defines us is how we choose to react and adapt to change. Starting today, evolving the organization from the kitchen table to the boardroom table has ensured that the association will be ready to capitalize on opportunities Football Canada hasn’t been equipped for previously.”
“Growth is at Football Canada’s doorstep, and the group has the knowledge to open the door to it.”
