New CEO for Canadian Curling

Here he is... the new man with one of the most important jobs in the sport of curling. And we’re not sure he’s ever curled.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that, of course. Particularly given the images of his predecessor sprawling across the ice in a long-ago promotional video, which is just now starting to sprout near and far across the web.

Relative unknown Greg Stremlaw of Niagara Falls, Ontario (above) is the new Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Curling Association.

The 36-year old will assume his duties on October 9, replacing Dave Parkes, who retired in a cloud of controversy in May after a 19-year CCA career.

Currently living in Cambridge, Ontario – presumably not far from the Galt Classic – Stremlaw was most recently the CEO and Executive Director of the Chicopee Ski & Summer Resort in Kitchener.

Prior to that, he worked as Director, Sport Services & Bobsleigh/Luge for the Calgary Olympic Development Association (CODA) from 1996-2002, most importantly as Race Chairman/Race Director for all international World Championship and World Cup events in the winter sports of Skeleton, Luge and Bobsleigh.

“I am excited to be involved in helping take the CCA in a new direction,” said Stremlaw. “We want to have a vision of excellence, a vision that includes running this sport as a business with sound financial practices, teambuilding, grassroots development and capturing the minds of the youth in this great country.

“I look forward to being part of many significant curling events in the coming years, especially the 2010 Winter Olympics in our own backyard. It is imperative that we use these events to help catapult the sport of curling to yet another level. I genuinely look forward to being a part of that process along with the entire CCA team.”

Stremlaw’s appointment was ratified unanimously by the CCA Board of Directors at a recent meeting, with Board members Graham Prouse, Georgina Anderson, Fran Todd, CCA Vice-President Beth Sullivan and CCA past president Donna Duffett leading the CEO Search Committee, working in conjunction with executive search firm Ray & Berndtson.