Max Gartner has been named the President of Alpine Canada Alpin following the September 8th Annual General Meeting of the national governing body for alpine and ski cross racing in Canada.
Gartner, a ski coach in Canada for 20 years who rejoined ACA’s Athletics department in 2003 as Chief Athletics Officer, will lead the day-to-day business operations of the organization in preparation for the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships next February and 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, RUS.
Calgary businessman Gary Allan, who has served as ACA’s President since 2006, takes over as the Chairman of Board for Reid Drury, who is staying on in an advisory capacity following the expiration of his term this year.
“Canada’s ski teams have been steadily building momentum since 2003, when Max took over responsibilities of ACA’s Athletics department. The CAST teams have just finished their most successful Olympic cycle ever, with three World Championship medals and 10 World Cup wins,” said Allan.
“With Max’s passion, leadership and expertise, the organization will remain focused on securing the resources required to continue developing ski racing champions,” he added.
Gartner and Allan applauded the efforts of departing board directors including Geoff Hendrie (Ontario) and John St. Arnaud (Quebec) for their commitment to maintaining the momentum of recent national team success and growth of the sport domestically.
Hendrie and St. Arnaud are being replaced by Craig Farrow and Danny Minogue respectively while Chris Slubicki was named the new ACA Board Vice-Chairman.
“Our departing directors have literally spent a lifetime dedicated to improving the sport that they love and helping to put Canadians on the podium in major international competition. We thank them for their time and commitment, which will undoubtedly continue in new capacities within the sport,” said Allan.
Patrick Riml, who was named CAST Athletic Director in April, will manage the Canadian Alpine Ski Teams athletic programs in Gartner’s place.
Dave Ellis is the Director of Sport for Canada Ski Cross and Brianne Law, previously a coach with the Canadian Para-Alpine Ski Team, was named the CPAST Athletic Director earlier this year. Jean-François Rapatel was also named National Athletic Director in April, placing renewed emphasis on development programs.
Canada’s able-bodied and para-alpine ski teams completed last season with 22 World Cup victories, and 44 World Cup podiums with Erik Guay (Mont-Tremblant, QC) becoming the first Canadian since Steve Podborski in 1982 to earn a discipline Crystal Globe.
Ashleigh McIvor (Whistler, BC) became the first ever women’s Olympic Ski Cross champion in 2010, also leading the team to the Nation’s Cup title as the top ski cross nation in the world.
Canada’s Para-Alpine Ski Team finished with an impressive 13 of the host nations 19 medals won at the 2010 Paralympic Games in Vancouver/Whistler, BC.
