CEC Board of Directors

The primary function of the directors of Climbing Escalade Canada is to supervise the management of the business and affairs of the CEC. Management is responsible for the day-to-day conduct of the business of the CEC. The fundamental objectives of the Board are to enhance and preserve long-term value for its members and the climbing community by leading, promoting and developing competition climbing in Canada and to ensure that the Corporation conducts business in an ethical and safe manner.

Directors are elected yearly at the CEC Annual General Meeting, by the voting members of the CEC.

See the CEC-Board-Mandate
See the CEC Corporate Governance documents

2020-2021 Directors

• Chair: Kathy Woods
• Vice-Chair: Jeff Taylor
• Director: Paul Dormaar
• Director: Joachim Stroink
• Director: Nicolas Valence
• Director: Stacey Weldon

	Paul brings to the CEC a strong background in finance and risk analysis. His work in the trading and investment world has built his understanding of legal, accounting, risk, IT and governance issues. He has worked for global and Canadian companies in the financial services and oil and gas industries. Paul’s not-for-profit experience includes his role as the Chair of the Calgary Section of the Alpine Club of Canada, a position he has held for 4 years. He was previously membership chair and has actively volunteered in a variety of other roles. As Chair, Paul has promoted the involvement of children, students, and families in the ACC. He has supported women’s mentorship and multiculturalism as well as advocating for the mountains, and speaking out on climate change. Paul has been climbing since the 70’s, coming to the sport through outdoor climbing. He now climbs both indoor and out and has always looked for ways to give back to a sport that has given him so much. In addition to climbing regularly on his own, he leads weekly group climbing sessions for both bouldering and routes, indoor in the winter and outdoor in the summer. Paul is retired from professional life and lives in Calgary with his wife. Together they maintain a small real estate portfolio.
	Joachim has worked in the outdoor industry for over 20 years. Of those 20 years 12 of them was owning his own stores called The Trail Shop and Rackology which he sold in 2017. In 2013 he was elected to Nova Scotia House of Assembly where he sat as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) until 2017. Joachim is an active parent in the east coast climbing community.
Jeffrey Taylor Alberta	Jeff has been actively involved in the Canadian climbing community since 2004. Jeff is a practicing lawyer at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP where he practices in the Securities and Capital Markets Group. Jeff has experience acting for public, private and not-for-profit companies on a variety of matters including corporate structuring, financing and corporate governance. Jeff also has experience acting for startup and emerging companies, venture and private equity funds. Jeff’s direct experience working with boards and management teams through his work at Borden Ladner Gervais has enabled him to bring an understanding of growth strategies, risk management and corporate governance to the CEC. Jeff acted as Vice Chair of the Board in 2019, has sat on the CEC’s nomination and governance committees and previously was a member of competitive climbing teams in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario.
Nicolas Valence Quebec	Nicolas has a long history in climbing, having been both a recreational and competitive climber, routesetter, belayer, judge, and the parent of competitive climbers. He has held roles on the FQME Board in multiple capacities and has volunteered his time for multiple CEC comps, initiatives and committees. Nic is a senior leader with a long history in facilities management, account management and operations. His extensive professional experience with global organizations makes him a strong business generalist who can work across the areas of finance, legal, HR, H&S, and operations. He currently leads facility management and public-private partnerships projects at a global green organization. Nic’s not-for-profit experience includes 7 years on the BOMA Quebec Board acting as treasurer. Hence, he brings to the CEC a strong knowledge of not-for-profit governance, including financial leadership. For years, he has also been organizing an annual kayak fundraiser supporting paediatric cancer and the Charles-Bruneau Foundation. Nic lives in Montreal with his wife and teenage daughter and son.
	Stacey Weldon is currently a director on the CEC board, and is also the President of the CEC Athletes Commission. Stacey has been an active member in the Canadian climbing community since 1999 as both an athlete, and as a coach.
	Kathy brings a unique combination of experiences and capabilities that will continue to help support and accelerate the development of the CEC. She has been a member of the CEC board for the past year and prior to that led an 8 month process conduct a strategic review for the CEC. Kathy has built an understanding of the organization, excitement for the opportunities ahead and passion for playing a role in helping the CEC lead, promote and develop competition climbing in Canada. Shortly after joining the Board, Kathy led the recruitment of our new executive director. She also sits on the nominating committee. As a recreational climber and certified OCF judge and volunteer, Kathy understands the climbing community. With over 30 years of business experience as a partner at Deloitte, a P&L leader and consultant, she has worked directly with for profit and not-for-profit boards, bringing an understanding of governance and board dynamics.