Introducing your XCCM Board of Directors

The Board of Directors consists of three offices: President, Secretary, and Treasurer, and five Directors who fill various roles as required.

 

President - NICOLE RAYNER

Description of office, as defined by the By-Laws:
The President shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and of the members. The President shall oversee all operations of the Club.

Ski Bio:

Nicole came to cross-country skiing later in life, having grown up in flat, snowless Windsor, Ontario. When she moved to Chelsea, the snowy topography of the Gatineau hills provided endless challenges and XC Chelsea Masters endless encouragement. She credits the awesome coaches for the progress she has made over the past few years as a member, be it “skating” up Penguin Hill or perfecting a mean snow plow on the downhills. Her ski goals this year are to learn to step-turn and enter her first race. When not skiing Nicole loves hiking, kayaking, and looking at rocks.

Secretary - François Dubrous

Description of office, as defined by the By-Laws: The Secretary shall enter or cause to be entered in the Club's minute book, minutes of all proceedings at meetings of the executive, Board meetings and committees of the Board. The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, as and when instructed, notices to members, Directors, the public accountant and members of committees. The Secretary shall be the custodian of all books, papers, records, documents and other instruments belonging to the Club. The Secretary, along with the President and Treasurer, shall help enforce the Club bylaws and ensure that the Club operates according to the laws and regulations of the Act.

Ski Bio:
Francois hails from the French Alps. As a toddler, he kept skiing down this scary steep hill in his home backyard (that seems only to be a meter high these days). When Francois moved to Canada 40 years ago, he tried xc skiing dressed in his faithful one-piece downhill ski suit … on trail #5 … and had never sweated so much while skiing, back then. Getting a sharp looking racing suit was what motivated this Frenchman to join the club, where he discovered proper technique, friendship and the beauty of skiing without lineups. Francois is honoured to serve, for the second time, on the board of a club that offers high quality performance programs and has such a vibrant and inclusive social atmosphere.

Treasurer - Morag Cowell

Description of office, as defined by the By-Laws:
The Treasurer shall be responsible for all financial matters pertaining to the Club. These include but are not limited to, accounting, reporting of financial information to the Board and Member’s annually or upon request, and the filing of tax returns or other financial information to government authorities.

Ski Bio:

Morag learnt to cross country ski at the age of 11 at the Black Jack Ski Club in her hometown of Rossland, BC. After moving east and taking a few years' hiatus from skiing, she got back into the sport in a big way after discovering Gatineau Park. She loves nothing more than getting into the far reaches of park on her skis, away from the crowds. Morag joined XCCM in 2014 with the goal of improving her fitness level (and therefore decreasing her level of suffering) during the Canadian Ski Marathon, her favourite event. She appreciates that XCCM members are serious about their skiing, but equally serious about their socializing. Aside from skiing Morag enjoys many other outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, sea kayaking and the odd foray into downhill skiing and climbing.

Director - Peter Ostrom

Role: Athletics Director
The Athletics Director is responsible for assisting the President for all athletic operations of the club including but not limited to, hiring/removing coaches, training programs, reserving training areas and deciding on locations for training.

Ski Bio:

Peter was forced to cross country skiing at age 5 and did all he could to do avoid it to go downhill instead, until his late teens. He is now a keen skier of any style: classic, skate, and backcountry. He bikes in the off-season ( or maybe he is a biker who skis in the off-season?) Peter loves to Loppett and to do the Canadian Ski Marathon (permanent bib #14). He hopes his passion for skiing rubs off on others.

AllanButler

Director - Allan Butler

Role: Registrar
The Registrar/Membership Director is responsible for maintaining membership records, ensuring that all members have signed Cross Country Ski Canada waiver forms and collecting all forms and membership dues. He is also responsible for ensuring that all members have paid their dues and bringing to the attention of the board the names of those members who have not paid their dues.

Ski Bio:
Allan joined the Club in 2010. He hails from snowy Corner Brook NL, where he started skiing shortly after learning to walk. He is equally comfortable in classic and skate and loves to bomb down hills. Always up for company on long skis and going for coffee (or beer) après ski

Director - Sandra Kiviaho

Role: Member at Large
The Member at Large will be responsible for Club sponsorship arrangements and designing and ordering club uniforms. The Member at Large will also be involved in assisting in other activities of the Club as required.

Ski Bio

Sandra Kiviaho has been with XC Chelsea Masters for over 10 years and this is her second time volunteering on the Board. Growing up in Northern Manitoba, the cold almost excites her as she loves Freeze Tuesdays with the club. When she joined, she had classic skied since she was a kid, but was very new to skate skiing. The club and its great coaching including the technique, intervals and time on skis has made her faster and now she loves both types of skiing. She says that there is always more to learn when it comes to skiing. Sandra went to Norway for the World Master’s where she earned a silver medal as well as a gold at the Ontario Masters. She has also won the Tay Valley Loppet twice and has completed the Canadian Ski Marathon 3 times. All with great thanks to the club and the friends she now has to ski with. Sandra is most happy gliding through the woods, seeing friends for a quick ski chat and then coming home to paint a ski trail.

 

Director- Sara Ednie

Role: Social/Comms Director (shared roles)
The Social Director is responsible for arranging all social activities of the Club such as parties and potluck suppers.
The Communications Director is responsible overall club communications

Ski Bio:

Sara grew up in Chelsea, being able ski from the front door.  However, school and work took her away from the area and skiing. After moving back to Ottawa for work, she realized that she wanted to spend more time in the Gatineau Hills and start skiing again. Through the Club, she has made wonderful friends while improving both technique and fitness. She tries to live the Club motto of form, fitness, and coffee, really excelling on the last one while working hard to improve on the first two. Her ski goals this year are to go faster down hills without cursing, learn how to step-turn, and explore more of the park.

Director - Sara Rykov

Role: Social/Comms Director (shared roles)
The Social Director is responsible for arranging all social activities of the Club such as parties and potluck suppers.
The Communications Director is responsible overall club communications

Ski Bio:

Growing up in Calgary, Sara learned to ski on a local golf course and enjoyed family ski trips in Kananaskis Country and Waterton National Park.  Sara joined the club in 2015. After moving here from Toronto,  she noticed how seriously people take skiing in and around the Nation's capital. As a dedicated but decidedly recreational skier, she decided to buy some better skis and start learning! With the Gatineau Hills as her winter playground, and her Chelsea Masters buddies as her benchmark, Sara's skiing & fitness are on the up & up.