viaSport appoints new CEO to continue to grow sport participation in B.C.

viaSport is pleased to announce the appointment of Charlene Krepiakevich as Chief Executive Officer. With a proven track record delivering community and social impact in the non-profit sector, she will lead the organization through its next phase of innovation, helping grow participation in sport and physical activity in British Columbia. Charlene succeeds Sheila Bouman who has been viaSport’s CEO since 2015.

“I’d like to congratulate viaSport on selecting their new CEO,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “Given Charlene’s experience representing organizations to local, regional and national audiences, including government and the corporate sector, we are looking forward to working collaboratively to further build and elevate the B.C. sport sector.”

Following her success in the role of President and CEO at Easter Seals BC/Yukon, Charlene joins the B.C. sport sector with a strong reputation as a leader skilled in bringing visions to life and building high performing organizations that put people first. In addition, her experience as Executive Director at the Vancouver International Marathon Society, where Charlene and her team grew participation by 41% over five years, will be an asset to all sports and communities in British Columbia.

“Charlene Krepiakevich is an energetic leader with a life-long passion and vision for sport. In her previous roles, she has focused on achieving results in promoting health, sport development and community wellness,” said Jon Festinger, viaSport Board Chair. “We are very thankful to Sheila Bouman and her visionary leadership over the last three and a half years, uniting the sector and positioning viaSport into the provincially and nationally recognized leader it is today.”  

“I’m honoured, and grateful to the Board for the opportunity to work with passionate, dedicated and talented professionals to grow the impact of sport in communities across British Columbia,” said Charlene. “viaSport works with leaders across sectors to produce innovative and relevant programs that ensure sport experiences are safe, inclusive and meaningful. This is a terrific opportunity to build on the legacy of viaSport, to collaborate across many sectors and to inspire communities, large and small, through sport.”

Charlene Krepiakevich will begin her new role and join viaSport’s leadership team starting May 8, 2019. In the interim, the Board has asked Heather Beatty to assume leadership of viaSport between April 1and May 7, ensuring continuity, progress and effective communication between staff, the sector, government and the Board of Directors.