Eva Havaris Resigns as Equestrian Canada Chief Executive Officer
7 years ago StraightArrow Comments Off on Eva Havaris Resigns as Equestrian Canada Chief Executive Officer
OTTAWA, Ontario, Sept. 25, 2017–Eva Havaris has resigned as Equestrian Canada Chief Executive Officer after a sometimes stormy three years as she undertook major changes in the organization and ahead of the installation of a new board of directors.
The resignation of Eva, 38 years old to take effect Thursday, came after what the federation said was “a long period of reflection and transitional discussions with the EC Board of Directors.”
“I joined EC readily accepting the challenge given to me by the EC Board of Directors to execute major organizational transformation at the governance and operational levels,” she said. “There was never any doubt in my mind that there would be both exciting and difficult moments along the way.
“Creating change within an organization deeply rooted in history and tradition is never easy, but there was widespread recognition that changes had to be made. Each moment taught me so much and the experience has deepened my personal conviction and resolve to build a better and more integral Canadian sport system.
“We have achieved a tremendous amount in the last three and a half years. With the emergence of a new Board on the immediate horizon, it is an opportune time for me to move on to my next challenge and allow new leadership to put in place the actions and plans that were finalized over the last few months. The new Board has everything they need for the future of the organization and I will remain available to assist them during this period of transition.””
Eva became CEO in June, 2014 after four years as chief executive of Taekwondo Canada, involved in develpment for Rugby Canada and head coach of the University of Toronto women’s varsity soccer.
Changes she implemented caused disgruntled volunteers and upset Olympic riders that led the board to call an emergency meeting in February this year that admitted “some mistakes” but declared “total confidence” in her leadership.
The federation said Eva “leaves behind a legacy of transformational change, having worked with an unwavering commitment to create a new era for EC by tackling long-standing challenges in a multitude of areas, including governance, national office operations, marketing and branding, and organizational strategy and alignment.”
“Through her unwavering dedication and commitment to positive change, Eva Havaris dramatically improved EC’s governance, funding and operations during her time as CEO,” said Peggy Hambly, EC president. “We are saddened to see such a passionate and dedicated individual depart the federation, but we wish her much success in all her future endeavours.”
