Football Canada Announces Board Member Election Results Following 2026 Annual General Meeting
Jo-Anne Polak, Tara Mrakic and Arash Madani re-elected to the Board
Football Canada has announced the results of its 2026 Board of Directors election, following the organization’s Annual General Meeting held today virtually.
Members re-elected Jo-Anne Polak, Tara Mrakic and Arash Madani to Football Canada’s Board of Directors, where they will continue to provide leadership and bring experience across sport governance, amateur football, business, community development, non-profit and athlete development, communications and public affairs. Their continued service reflects Football Canada’s commitment to strong governance and national representation.
The 2026 Board of Directors includes:
- Jo-Anne Polak – Chair of the Board (re-elected)
- Jodi Tavares – Director (returning)
- Arash Madani – Director (re-elected)
- Barry Taitinger – Director (returning)
- Tyler Mazereeuw – Director (returning)
- Célestine Chartier – Director (returning)
- Phil Zigby – Director (returning)
- Tara Mrakic – Director (re-elected)
- Laurence Pontbriand – Athlete Representative (returning)
The Board will work closely with Football Canada’s leadership, provincial and territorial members, athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and partners to advance the organization’s strategic priorities and support the continued growth of both tackle and flag football across Canada.
The election comes at an important time for Football Canada, as the organization continues to see momentum and growth across all disciplines of the sport and a historic Olympic debut on the horizon for the men’s and women’s national flag football teams at the LA28 Olympic Games.
“On behalf of Football Canada, I want to congratulate Jo-Anne Polak, Tara Mrakic and Arash Madani on their re-election to our Board of Directors. Their continued service brings valuable experience, leadership and perspective as we work to grow and strengthen football across the country. Behind every decision our Board makes is a group of people who believe deeply in what football can become in Canada, and I’m grateful for their ongoing commitment to that vision. We look forward to continuing this important work together.” – Eva Havaris, Chief Executive Officer, Football Canada
The new Board of Directors will officially begin its term effective immediately.
Congratulations to Jo-Anne Polak, Tara Mrakic and Arash Madani!
Quotes from re-elected board members:
“I’m honoured to be re-elected to Football Canada’s Board of Directors and grateful for the continued confidence of our membership. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made and look forward to building on that work, supporting the growth of football and helping create more opportunities for athletes and communities across Canada.” — Jo-Anne Polak, Chair of the Board, Football Canada
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving on Football Canada’s Board of Directors. There is so much momentum in our sport right now, and I’m excited to continue working to strengthen the game and support its continued growth across the country.” — Tara Mrakic, Board of Directors, Football Canada
“I’m honoured to have the opportunity to continue serving Football Canada and grateful to our membership for their trust. Football is at an exciting point, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the work ahead and helping ensure our sport continues to thrive at every level.” — Arash Madani, Board of Directors, Football Canada
You can learn more about how to support your Canadian Senior Men’s and Women’s National Flag Football teams, here.
– 30 –
About Football Canada
Football Canada is the national governing body for amateur football in Canada and is committed to developing, promoting, and growing tackle, flag, and touch football across the country, from grassroots participation to high-performance national teams.
Media Contact
Victoria Mattacchione
Football Canada, Communications
media@footballcanada.com
