By Mike Palamarek, Board of Directors Chair (mike.palamarek@skipatrol.ca)
Welcome to Meaghan Kells (Nova Scotia Zone, Atlantic East Division) as the newest member of the board of directors and congratulations to Jennifer Delaney (Western Zone, Ontario Division) on her re-election to the board for a three-year term.
Click here to read Meaghan Kells bio.
There was a board election this year and we thank Lori Natuik (Red River Zone, Manitoba Division) and Mathieu Marsolais (Gatineau Zone, Quebec Division) for also putting their names forward. The new board met after the AGM to select the board officers, and the positions will remain the same as last year. Thank you to Anick Vaillancourt for her time on the board, Anick stepped down earlier this year to become the Canton de l’Est Zone president.
The composition of the board, effective September 12, 2026, is:
- Mike Palamarek – national director and chair of the board (two years left in term)
- Jennifer Delaney – national director and vice-chair (three-year term)
- David Peer – national director and corporate secretary (two years left in term)
- Sam Morcos – national director (last year of term)
- Amy Scullion – national director (last year of term)
- Jeff Beck – national director (two years left in term)
- Meaghan Kells – national director (three-year term)
Townhall and AGM occurred in September
There was a national townhall on September 2, 2026, where the board candidates were introduced along with a review of the financials and a bylaw motion.
The national AGM was then held on Saturday September 12, 2026. Information about the townhall and AGM can be found on the members website here.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the board of directors election, townhall and AGM. The list of CSP national award recipients was large this year and a special congratulations to our newest CSP and life member recipients.
The CSP’s future
The board was pleased to present the next five-year CSP Strategic Direction 2027-2031 at the AGM, watch for a Patrol Bulletin with further details.
A significant milestone was also achieved with the acceptance of the new bylaws. The updated bylaws, regulations and policies will be posted on the members website. Please refer to the governance article in this 5/5 for background on the updates and changes.
Executive leadership changes
At the AGM, it was announced that Mark Brown, one of our co-executive directors, will be retiring this year. Mark received a well-deserved national life member award and was presented a limited edition CSP branded automatic watch in recognition of his exemplary service. With the retirement of Mark, Jean Rioux’s term as a co-ED also ends and we were pleased to present Jean a watch as well in recognition of his dedication and service.
Jean will be assuming the sole executive director role Jan 1, 2027. He will be in the role for six months while the board conducts internal and external recruiting in the second quarter of 2027. The permanent ED will be announced for July 1, 2027.
Winter is fast approaching
On behalf of the national board of directors, we appreciate your dedication and passion for the Canadian Ski Patrol. Welcome to our new members and we wish you well in your recertifications and training. Have a great patrol season.
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