Football Canada appoints Eva Havaris as new CEO

Photo: Football Canada

Football Canada has a new leader in place following the appointment of Eva Havaris as chief executive officer.

Havaris has more than 20 years of executive experience in athletics, including stints as the CEO of Equestrian Canada and Taekwondo Canada. She has also served as the senior vice-president of Tennis Canada and was in a founding executive role with the Canadian Premier League.

Football Canada believes she has the ability to “lead organizational transformation, modernize governance, strengthen national alignment, diversify revenue, and advance high-performance and sport development systems.”

“I am honoured to join Football Canada at such a pivotal time,” said Havaris in a statement. “This is a significant and energizing moment for Football Canada and for the future of the sport in this country. The opportunity ahead is clear—to strengthen and align the national football system, support athletes, coaches, officials, and member organizations across Canada, and help position the country for success as flag football enters the Olympic Games.

“Having previously led national sport organizations through Olympic cycles, I understand both the complexity and the potential of moments like this. I look forward to working with the Board, staff, provincial and territorial partners, and the broader football community to build on this momentum and help shape a strong, united, and sustainable future for football in Canada.”

Havaris will officially start with Football Canada on June 8.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to express how pleased we are that Eva Havaris will lead Football Canada into this next chapter,” said board chair Jo-Anne Polak.

“Her track record speaks for itself, and we are confident she is the right leader to unite and mobilize the football community as we seize the Olympic opportunity ahead. Eva is also a strong advocate for women and girls in sport. At a time when women are coming to football, and particularly flag football, in record numbers, her leadership will help ensure they continue to find in our sport a place where they are welcomed, supported, safe, and able to thrive.”

Football Canada and executive director Kevin McDonald parted ways in February, after which Loring Phinney served as the organization’s interim CEO.