Jim Mullin to focus on international football, departs Football Canada on a high note

REFORM TO LEADERSHIP TRANSITION TO PETER BAXTER AS CHAIR MARKS NEW ERA FOR FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT AND PROFESSIONALISM

OTTAWA AND BOWEN ISLAND, BC – After eight years of dedicated service, Jim Mullin is withdrawing as President of Football Canada. Under Mullin’s leadership, the organization has reached new heights, hosting and winning the IFAF World Junior Football Championship in Edmonton, securing a historic partnership with NFL Canada, and expanding the scope of the association to include a broad set of stakeholders. Mullin will continue his work on the international front with the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) as their General Secretary.

“I believe now that I can leave the organization in the capable hands of Peter Baxter as chair, the board, executive director Kevin McDonald and the staff. I am confident the team can deliver on the work invested over the last year by leaders on the board and myself to provide an athlete-centric national association focused on growth, visibility and partnerships.”

“I am truly excited and honoured to fully commit to the sport’s global growth through my work with my trusted colleagues at IFAF,” he concluded.

Peter Baxter, a highly respected leader in amateur sports management, has been appointed as the new Chairperson of Football Canada and will now occupy the role of officer of the President until bylaws are updated in October. Baxter, who recently retired as Athletic Director of Laurier University, has a strong reputation for building successful sports programs and fostering high-performance environments.

Kevin McDonald, Executive Director of Football Canada, praised Mullin’s leadership and welcomed the organization’s future under Baxter’s guidance.

“Jim Mullin has reset the fundamentals for Football Canada to compete on the international level while stabilizing our operations during a highly challenging year,” said Kevin McDonald.

“His exemplary commitment guided the organization through a demanding transition as we gear up for the Olympic Quadrennial. Thanks to his leadership, Football Canada is now ready to pursue national and international business. As we step into this next chapter with Peter and the board, we are poised to professionalize our operations and set a clear path for growth.”

“Jim Mullin’s leadership has positioned Football Canada for unprecedented growth,” said Peter Baxter.

“I am honoured to lead the organization at this exciting time. We are committed to enhancing athlete development, strengthening coaching, and raising the bar for officiating while ensuring we operate with the highest professional standards.”

Mullin’s tenure has been defined by his ability to modernize the organization, establish a path for compliance with the Canadian Sports Governance Code, define sustainable pathways for player development, meet the objective of a reserve fund, support the development of Indigenous football, and increase international recognition and visibility for Canadian football. His historic two-term presidency—one of only four in Football Canada’s 142-year history—has set the stage for future success.

The reforms to evolve the National Sports Organization have been a struggle with some who remained comfortable within the confines of being a non-Olympic sport. With flag football destined for the LA ’28 Olympics, Mullin piloted the necessary restructuring regardless of noise from critics.

“Change by its’ nature is uncomfortable, and we have experienced this over the last year,” Mullin said.

“What defines us is how we choose to react and adapt to change. Starting today, evolving the organization from the kitchen table to the boardroom table has ensured that the association will be ready to capitalize on opportunities Football Canada hasn’t been equipped for previously,” Mullin said.

“Growth is at Football Canada’s doorstep, and the group has the knowledge to open the door to it,” he concluded.

About Football Canada:
Founded in 1882, Football Canada is the country’s governing body for amateur football. The organization works to grow and develop the sport of football across Canada, focusing on all levels of participation, from grassroots to elite competition.

For more information, please contact:
Braydon Stachel
BStachel@footballcanada.com
www.footballcanada.com