Ahrens departs Field Hockey Canada after nine years of service
Field Hockey Canada’s Board of Directors announces that Chief Executive Officer Susan Ahrens has decided to step down from her role, effective October 31, as she pursues new professional opportunities. Susan shared that, with a new strategic cycle beginning, she believes this is the right moment for new leadership and a smooth transition for the organization.
“With a new strategic cycle beginning, now is the right moment for new leadership. This means that I will be leaving my role as CEO of Field Hockey Canada at the end of October.
Serving the Canadian field hockey community has been a great privilege.
What has always stood out to me about this sport is the strength of its community, the athletes who give everything for the crest, the coaches and officials who dedicate countless hours to supporting local communities, and the volunteers and partners who quietly sustain the game across the country,” said Ahrens.
During her tenure, Susan has helped shift Field Hockey Canada to a stronger and more sustainable organization. Her leadership was vital during the challenges of the global pandemic and the ongoing funding pressures facing the Canadian sport system. Through this period of change, Susan helped guide the organization toward greater financial stability while continuing to advance an ambitious agenda for the sport’s future. During Susan’s tenure as CEO, Canadian teams achieved several historic milestones.
“We have worked together to strengthen the foundations of field hockey in Canada. I am proud that during this time our Women’s National Team returned to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, our Junior Women captured Canada’s first junior continental outdoor championship title, and our Men’s National Team achieved a remarkable home Olympic qualification,” Ahrens said.
“One initiative that reflects our community collective vision is the Stick Together project, which has invested more than $1 million into inclusive community programs for the underserved. Stick Together will continue to grow participation and ensure the long-term sustainability of field hockey in Canada. These efforts reflect the strength, diversity, and promise of our sport from coast to coast.”
Interim Chair of the Board, Kerry Moynihan thanks Susan on behalf of the Board, the staff and the community, appreciating her service and leadership for the organization for seven years.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Susan for her leadership and unwavering dedication to Field Hockey Canada,” said Kerry Moynihan, Chair of the Board. “We wish Susan every success in the next chapter ahead.”
The Board of Directors has initiated a comprehensive search for the organization’s next CEO. The Board is committed to a thorough and deliberate process to identify an exceptional leader who will build on the foundation. The membership will be kept informed as this search advances.
Susan reflects gratefully on the progress and the experience as a community sport leader within the Canadian hockey community.
“This progress has been a result of our combined effort through our Team of Teams. I am deeply grateful to the directors, staff, athletes, officials, volunteers, members, and partners who have contributed their energy and belief in what Canadian field hockey system can become.
In the months ahead, I will remain focused on supporting Field Hockey Canada’s priorities and ensuring a smooth transition. After that, I look forward to cheering from the sidelines and celebrating the continued growth of the sport we all care so deeply about.”
