Football Canada Welcomes Jodi Tavares and Celestine Chartier, Re-Elects Dale Williams to Board of Directors

Ottawa, ON – July 3rd, 2025 – Football Canada is pleased to announce the election of Jodi Tavares and Celestine Chartier, as well as the re-election of Dale Williams to its Board of Directors. All three appointments take effect immediately. 

Tavares brings over 15 years of executive leadership experience across the public, non-profit, and academic sectors, alongside a decade of dedicated volunteer service in Canadian football. She currently serves as Executive Director of ARUCC MyCreds/MesCertif, overseeing a national digital credentialing network supporting hundreds of institutions and government agencies across the country. Her leadership portfolio includes change management, inter-jurisdictional collaboration, and digital transformation at scale. 

A long-time advocate for athlete-centred governance, Tavares has held numerous football leadership roles, including President of the Ontario Women’s Intercollegiate Football Association (OWIFA), President of the York Region Football Association, President of the Ontario Fall Football League, and Co-Chair of the York University Football Parent Booster Club. Her efforts have strengthened youth development structures, enhanced institutional alignment, and expanded opportunities for girls and women in football. 

“It’s a privilege to serve on the Board of Football Canada alongside such passionate leaders,” said Tavares. “I’m committed to advancing athlete-centred governance and expanding opportunities across all levels of the game.” 

Chartier, a Montréal-based lawyer, rejoins Football Canada’s Board following prior service in its governance. A civil litigator with the City of Laval and former criminal defence lawyer, she brings legal expertise and a strategic, policy-driven approach to governance, particularly in municipal and regulatory matters. 

Her longstanding involvement in football includes national-level competition, coaching, and program development. Chartier continues to coach with the Spartiates du Vieux-Montréal and has founded a local league to expand access and participation in the sport. She has also served on the boards of other organizations with a focus on leadership and inclusion. 

With the path to LA 2028 ahead, Chartier’s return reflects a strong commitment to growing flag football and building sustainable, values-driven opportunities for athletes across Canada. 

Dale Williams has been re-elected to serve another term on the Board, bringing more than two decades of experience in national and professional sports marketing. He currently serves as Global Sports Marketing Manager at CCM Hockey, where he oversees athlete strategy, product promotion, and diversity initiatives across the company’s international roster. Williams has previously held leadership roles with Reebok, RW&CO., the Montreal Alouettes, and the University of Winnipeg. 

His work in both football and hockey has consistently prioritized athlete engagement, brand visibility, and inclusive access to sport. Williams will continue supporting Football Canada’s efforts to grow the game and deepen its reach among athletes, fans, and communities across the country. 

Chair of the Board Jo-Anne Polak welcomed the appointments, saying: 

There is something about Football at this historic moment in time that has attracted the very best Directors.  Jodi, Celestine and Dale are each accomplished in their own fields, bringing energy, passion and skills that complement those of the existing Directors.  Together this Board will help drive Football into the Olympic era. 

Executive Director Kevin McDonald highlighted the significance of the timing: 

“As we prepare for one of the most significant periods in our organization’s history, these appointments come at exactly the right time. Jodi brings a rare combination of national governance experience and grassroots football leadership that will strengthen our operational focus and athlete-first approach. Celestine returns with deep legal expertise, a strong record of community-based program development, and a passion for inclusive leadership. Dale’s re-election ensures we continue to benefit from his strategic marketing insight and long-standing commitment to equity and access. Together, they will play a critical role in shaping how football in Canada grows and presents itself on the path to the 2028 Olympic Games and beyond.” 

With these appointments, Football Canada continues to build a high-performing, inclusive Board dedicated to advancing the sport from coast to coast to coast. 

Media Contact: 
Braydon Stachel 
Manager, Marketing & Communications 
Football Canada 
bstachel@footballcanada.com