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 - Philippa Gross

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:

Way back in Montreal, Philippa ‘xc skied’ as a teenager/young adult. Basically she ski walked in the woods with a group of friends with wine skins. After a thirty five year hiatus she restarted and got absolutely hooked. With help/instruction/laughter from friends and then about six years ago, XCCM coaches and more friends, she’s progressed from cheap fishscale to heavy touring skis to racing skis and started skate skiing a few years ago. Parts of the CSM done, a number of Gatineau Loppets done, teaching at Mooney’s Bay now and who knows what comes next. Still so much to learn, but she’s loving every aspect of it. From “OMG, winter is interminable” to “OMG, winter is way too short. We need more snow.”

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 - François Dubrous

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:

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.

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 - Peter Mallory

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

Peter has been skiing since he could walk, growing up in Peterborough, Ontario where he enjoyed skiing the Kawartha Nordic ski trails and back country skiing. Peter raced for the Kawartha Nordic Ski team, the Southern Ontario Ski team and for the Carleton U Varsity team. He was also the assistant coach of the Carleton University Varsity Nordic Ski team in ‘85 & ‘86. He is passionate about all things skiing including Nordic, downhill, alpine touring & roller skiing. Peter has really enjoyed the Silver Star ski camp each year and has got back into skate skiing thanks to the excellent instruction from our XCCM coaches. He is looking forward to helping out on the board of directors and giving back a little to this wonderful club while continuing to develop new friendships.

Director- Jeff Hammell

Role: Social
The Social Director is responsible for arranging all social activities of the Club such as parties and potluck suppers.

Ski Bio

Jeff's skiing journey began in 2016 when he borrowed skis for his first real experience on the trails. Captivated by the beauty of the shelters and the Parc, Jeff found himself returning year after year. As the pandemic stretched on, Jeff increased his ski-trip ratio and tried skate. This decision paid off, and in 2022, he took a significant step forward by joining XCCM. Since then, he has received solid coaching and discovered a warm, supportive community. The summer of 2024 had Jeff organizing XCTRA-curricular activities for the club, focusing on social exercise and building connections. As winter approaches, Jeff is excited to channel his passion into organizing fun and inclusive social ski events and sharing the joy of skiing.

Director - Sara Rykov

Role: Comms Director 
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.