Football Canada Welcomes New Board Members: Tyler Mazereeuw, Phil Zigby, and Barry Taitinger
Ottawa, ON – Football Canada is pleased to announce the election of three distinguished leaders to its Board of Governors: Tyler Mazereeuw, Phil Zigby, and Barry Taitinger. Each brings a wealth of expertise, passion, and commitment to the organization, alongside a shared focus on strengthening Football Canada’s mission to advance the sport of football both nationwide and internationally.
Tyler Mazereeuw is an executive with over 20 years of diverse experience focused on revenue growth and innovation in the sports and entertainment industry. He has held senior roles across properties, agencies, and brands, including the CFL, IMG, and Molson. Recognized as a thought leader and named one of Canada’s “Top 5 Under 40” winners, he is known for his strategic approach to fan engagement and business development. Tyler served as the Chairman of the Sponsorship Marketing Council of Canada and, most recently, as the Chief Commercial Officer for the Canadian Football League, leading revenue and marketing strategy across broadcast, sponsorship, licensing, brand strategy, digital, and marketing.
Phil Zigby brings exceptional expertise in board governance, strategic planning, and public administration. His tenure with Football Ontario included roles as President, Treasurer, and Director of Governance, during which he spearheaded unprecedented membership growth and financial stability. In his current role as Client Services and Performance Specialist Contract Manager for the City of Guelph, Phil oversees multimillion-dollar budgets and leads sustainability initiatives. Phil also served on the Board of Governors for Football Ontario, contributing to governance, financial strategy, and organizational growth. His visionary leadership in both sports and municipal governance will be a vital asset to Football Canada’s continued modernization.
Barry Taitinger comes to Football Canada as a seasoned financial executive with extensive experience in driving growth, fostering innovation, and managing high-performing teams within the financial services sector. As Managing Director of Corporate Finance, Prairies at BMO, Barry has consistently delivered transformative insights and measurable results. His deep connection to football stems from a lifelong passion for the sport, beginning as an athlete, including five years of varsity football at the University of Alberta. Following his playing career, Barry guest coached at U of A spring and summer camps, eventually committing to six years of coaching, progressing from flag football to community and high school levels. Most recently, he contributed as a guest coach at the 2024 Team Alberta U18 selection camp in Calgary. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Barry is known for his ability to align business development with community engagement, Barry’s strategic acumen will play a key role in Football Canada’s efforts to elevate the sport and expand its reach.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tyler, Phil, and Barry to Football Canada’s Board of Governors. Their diverse expertise, passion for the game, and commitment to excellence will be invaluable as we continue to grow and evolve football in Canada, Peter Baxter, Chair of the Board remarked, I look forward to working alongside them to advance our mission and strengthen the sport at all levels.”
Rounding out the board are Arash Madani, Dale Williams, Tara Mrakic and Jo-Anne Polak.
Arash Madani brings a deep understanding of storytelling and an unparalleled connection to the Canadian sports landscape. If it’s a major sporting event, chances are Arash has been there to cover it. From the Super Bowl to the Olympics, the Stanley Cup Final to the World Series, Wimbledon to the Raptors’ historic championship run, he has travelled the world, chronicling some of the biggest moments in sport on national network television. Beyond broadcasting, Arash has contributed to radio, podcasts, and online publications, cementing his reputation as a trusted voice in Canadian sports media. His excellence in the field was recognized in 2017 when he was awarded the George Gross Award, given annually to Canada’s top sports broadcaster. Arash’s expertise in media, storytelling, and athlete engagement will be invaluable to Football Canada as it continues to elevate the sport nationally and prepare for LA 2028.
Dale Williams brings over two decades of experience in sports marketing and strategic partnerships, having built a career that spans some of the industry’s most recognizable brands. With a proven track record of developing impactful campaigns and managing high-profile partnerships, Dale has played a key role in shaping the marketing landscape of major sports and retail organizations. Throughout his career, he has held leadership roles with industry giants, including Reebok – Adidas Group, where he served as Sports Marketing Manager, overseeing athlete and brand partnerships. His tenure with the Montreal Alouettes as Director of Retail Marketing saw him drive fan engagement through innovative retail initiatives. As Men’s Marketing Manager at RW&CO, Dale played a pivotal role in brand positioning and consumer outreach. Most recently, as Head of Global Sports Marketing and Partnerships at CCM, he led international marketing efforts, building relationships with top-tier athletes and organizations.
Tara Mrakic is a dedicated coach, advocate, and leader with a profound impact on Canadian sports. As the only Black female Head Coach for Women’s Flag Football in Canada, Tara champions gender equity and representation. Her sports career spans playing baseball, volleyball, and flag football, transitioning to officiating and coaching flag football. She has received multiple coaching awards, including Coach of the Year at Vanier College and three RSEQ Coach of the Year awards.
In her advocacy work, Tara has held leadership roles, mentored aspiring leaders, and spoken at influential platforms such as the CFL’s Diversity is Strength Panel and the Diversity in Sport Conference. She has contributed significantly to the Coaching Association of Canada, serving on the Anti-Racism Task Force and facilitating intercultural skills in sport. Tara also sits on the Board of ICSN (Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network). She is committed to breaking down barriers in Canadian sports, creating more opportunities for women in coaching and officiating, and advocating for gender and racial equity in sports.”
Jo-Anne Polak brings to the board an extensive background in corporate communications, crisis management, and media relations. Most recently the Senior Vice President, Corporate and Employee Communications at Canada Post, Jo-Anne is widely known a true trailblazer in the world of football. Polak made history as the first female General Manager in North American professional sports with the Ottawa Rough Riders—a groundbreaking achievement that set a new standard for leadership and diversity in the sports industry that was just the beginning of a career that has culminated with her induction into the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame this year. Her deep expertise in managing complex communications and her proven ability to navigate high-pressure situations are assets that uplift Football Canada’s public perception as it continues to evolve its narrative and strategic direction.
These accomplished leaders join Football Canada at a pivotal moment in its history, bringing a shared vision for innovation, governance, and professionalization. Their expertise will help propel Football Canada’s strategic goals and ensure the organization continues to grow and thrive, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of football development and leadership in Canada.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Braydon Stachel
Marketing and Communications Manager
Football Canada
bstachel@FootballCanada.com
About Football Canada
Football Canada is the national governing body for amateur football, dedicated to the development and promotion of the sport across the nation. Established in 1884, Football Canada collaborates with provincial organizations, leagues, and clubs to foster participation at every level, from grassroots to elite competition.
