OUA welcoming two new faces ahead of 2019-20 season

Burlington, Ont. – Ontario University Athletics (OUA) is pleased to announce two new members of the team, welcoming both Laura McNairn and Jacqueline Chan to the organization next month. The former will join the OUA as the Finance and Administration Coordinator, while the latter will take on the role of Sport Coordinator.

“These are exciting times at the OUA as we welcome both Laura and Jackie to our team,” said Gord Grace, OUA CEO, “and much of this anticipation comes from the experiences and attributes that both individuals are bringing to the office.”

For McNairn, she has been an integral figure in the Legal Services Branch of the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services for 15 years, and is ready to continue her professional efforts with the preeminent university sport conference in Canada. “I’m really looking forward to joining the team at OUA and contributing to this exciting and unique organization.”

For much of her previous tenure, McNairn served as the Legal Executive Assistant to the Director, providing administrative and executive support therein. As the point person for the branch, McNairn has been responsible for the smooth flow of information and communication throughout, liaising with all levels of Ministry staff and the general public.

During her time at the organization, the graduate of Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology also took on multiple secondments, including those in the roles of Law Clerk and Branch Coordinator, after starting her time there as a Legal Assistant. This in-depth experience working across multiple roles and alongside several key stakeholders will be valuable assets for the OUA in the conference’s continued quest to provide leadership, stewardship, and policy direction for university sport in Ontario.

Chan, meanwhile, is also looking forward to contributing to the student-athlete experience in her new position as Sport Coordinator. “I am thrilled to join the OUA and to work alongside Gord Grace and his team to deliver an incredible university athletic experience,” said Chan. “I look forward to playing a role in the development of student-athletes through both academics and athletics and continuing my career working in high performance sport.”

The Queen’s University graduate has taken on multiple roles since graduating in 2016 with a Bachelor of Physical & Health Education (Honours). Most recently, Chan served as the Track Coordinator at Cycling Canada, where she coordinated logistics for all international projects for the National Track Cycling team, among other diverse responsibilities. The outdoors-enthusiast is also no stranger to the university sport scene, as the former Gaels varsity swimmer and triathlete has also worked with the University of Toronto as an Intercollegiate & High Performance Sport Assistant.

Continued Grace, “As an organization, we are always looking to serve our 20 members and nearly 10,000 student-athletes with a dedicated, knowledgeable, and professional group, and we are confident that Laura and Jackie will contribute to that preeminent offering in their new roles.”

Both individuals will start with the OUA in July.