Murray McCullough named Executive Director of Ontario Sailing
Joint announcement of Ontario Sailing and Canadian Sport Institute Ontario
TORONTO (November 27, 2024) The Board of Directors of Ontario Sailing is pleased to announce that Murray McCullough has been named the new Executive Director of Ontario Sailing, effective January 6, 2025. Murray will replace Glenn Lethbridge, Ontario Sailing’s Executive Director for nearly 18 years, who will set sail for retirement in March of 2025.
As Executive Director, Murray will be responsible for providing strategic leadership for Ontario Sailing and ensuring operational excellence for the organization. Reporting to the Board of Directors, Murray will have overall responsibility for delivering Ontario Sailing’s key objectives in the areas of strategic and financial planning, program execution, talent development, risk and relationship management, and fundraising.
“Murray brings to the role strategic thinking with strong execution skills. Additionally, Murray brings deep relationships with many of Ontario Sailing’s key stakeholders including member clubs, sailing and other provincial and national sports organizations, government, volunteers, participants in the sailing community, and Canadian Sport Institute Ontario (CSIO).
Ontario Sailing Board of Directors would like to express our thanks to Glenn Lethbridge for his dedication and steady hand at the helm of Ontario Sailing since February 2007. We wish Glenn good health and much happiness in his retirement.”
Stephen Brickell
Chair of the Board of Directors, Ontario Sailing
“I would like to congratulate and welcome Murray back on board with Ontario Sailing. Murray has a great history with Ontario Sailing as he was one of our Ontario Sailing Team Coaches. Murray brought to his coaching role a determined professional approach to Coaching and with his work with the staff at Ontario Sailing. I know Murray will bring those same skills to the role of Executive Director and take this organization in many new and exciting directions still supporting our core values and programming. Murray is a “sailors’ sailor” and as such he understands the needs of our clubs, officials, athletes and all those new sailors that join this amazing sport.”
Glenn Lethbridge
Retiring Executive Director, Ontario Sailing
CSIO would like to express its gratitude to Murray McCullough, a valued member of the CSIO team for the past eight years. During his time at CSIO, Murray has held various roles, including
· High Performance Athlete Development Advisor, with additional responsibilities with the Ontario Para Sport Collective Strategy through the Canadian Paralympic Committee
· Performance Pathway Advisor
· Manager, Performance Pathways and Performance Partnerships
Murray’s expertise and dedication have been instrumental in the growth and continued success of CSIO’s Ontario High Performance Sport Initiative. His background as both a high-performance sailor and sailing coach, combined with his vast experience and leadership in high performance sport make him exceptionally well-suited for this role.
Ontario Sailing has been a long-standing partner of CSIO, collaborating to enhance athlete development and performance across the province as part of the Ontario High Performance Sport Initiative (OHPSI) since 2010. CSIO looks forward to continuing this strong partnership and working together to provide the best opportunities for Ontario sailors.
“On behalf of CSIO, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Murray McCullough for his significant contributions to our organization over the past eight years. Murray’s dedication to high-performance sport and his commitment to athlete and coach development have been invaluable. While we are saddened to see Murray depart from CSIO, we are delighted that he will be assuming this exciting role at a close partner organization.”
Debbie Low
Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Sport Institute Ontario
“After eight years at CSIO, I am deeply grateful for the leadership and development opportunities that have shaped my career and for the passionate and dedicated staff who have always worked tirelessly to advance our mission. My time at CSIO, working in a multisport organization, has provided invaluable insights into the diverse needs of stakeholders within the sport sector and the power of collaboration in advancing common objectives. It has truly been an honor to work alongside our provincial and national partners to help grow sport across Ontario and contribute to the success of our athletes and programs.
As I return to Ontario Sailing, I am excited to rejoin an organization that first ignited my passion for the sport—a sport that has played a pivotal role in shaping both my personal and professional character. I look forward to collaborating with the talented staff and board at Ontario Sailing to build upon the strong foundation that has been established and to propel the sport of sailing into a bright future. I am eager to continue nurturing valuable partnerships within the sailing community and advancing the sport I love in new and exciting ways.”
Murray McCullough
Incoming Executive Director, Ontario Sailing
ABOUT ONTARIO SAILING
Ontario Sailing is the recognized not-for-profit governing body for sailing in the province of Ontario. In a partnership between a professional staff team and dedicated volunteers, Ontario Sailing supports the sport of sailing across the province. Staff and volunteers provide leadership in a variety of different areas including training and certification for instructors and race officials, athlete development, and the Ontario Sailing Team. Additionally, Ontario Sailing provides support with governance and administration to nearly 200 member organizations. www.ontariosailing.ca
ABOUT CANADIAN SPORT INSTITUTE ONTARIO
Canadian Sport Institute Ontario (CSIO) is a non-profit organization committed to elevating people and performances in the pursuit of building champions. CSIO strives to provide best-in-class sport science, sport medicine, and pathway support to high performance athletes, coaches, and National and Provincial Sport Organizations. CSIO is part of the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network, working in partnership with the Canadian Olympic Committee, Canadian Paralympic Committee, Own the Podium, and the Coaching Association of Canada. CSIO is further supported by Ontario’s Ministry of Sport and Sport Canada. www.csiontario.ca