Oshawa, ON – Lacrosse Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Lori DeGraw as its new Chief Executive Officer. Lori’s first day will be July 6, 2026.
Lori brings a rare combination of governance expertise, national sport-system insight, and commercial leadership experience to Lacrosse Canada at a pivotal moment for the organization and the sport. As a seasoned executive and board director, Lori has led across complex organizations, supported strong governance practices, advanced strategic planning, built diverse teams, and developed meaningful partnerships.
Her governance credentials are significant. Lori holds the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors and the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, achieved the highest iGP designation through the Innovation Governance Program, and has served in senior governance roles with organizations including the Canadian Olympic Committee, the Canada Media Fund, TO Live, and the Digital Supercluster.
Lori also brings a deep understanding of the Canadian sport system at the highest level. Through her seven years with the Canadian Olympic Committee, including her service as Chair of the Nominations Committee and Vice-Chair of the Governance and Ethics Committee, she has worked closely with the structures, expectations, and opportunities that shape national sport in Canada.
In addition, Lori’s background in media, communications, entertainment, tourism, innovation, and sport provides Lacrosse Canada with a leader who understands how to build profile, strengthen partnerships, create new opportunities, and position an organization for sustainable growth. Her experience includes executive leadership in media operations, strategic partnerships, destination marketing, commercial growth, and national-level stakeholder engagement with sport-system partners, funding partners, and community leaders.
Most importantly, Lori’s approach throughout Lacrosse Canada’s rigorous and thorough screening process demonstrated the leadership, judgment, integrity, and ambition required for this next chapter. Interest in our sport is extremely high, and Lori distinguished herself from an incredible candidate pool.
“As Lacrosse Canada’s CEO, Lori DeGraw will elevate the stature of our sport and position Lacrosse Canada as a national leader, both in our on-field play and in how we operate,” said Barbara Lockhart, Interim President of Lacrosse Canada. “This kind of leadership is what lacrosse needs at this moment to ensure our long-term success and to maximize the opportunities in front of us.”
“I am honoured to join Lacrosse Canada at such an important moment for the sport,” said Lori DeGraw. “Lacrosse has extraordinary potential in Canada and internationally, and I look forward to working with the Board, Member Associations, Lacrosse Canada team, athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, sport-system partners, funding partners, and the broader lacrosse community to strengthen the organization and build on the opportunities ahead.”
Lori has already met with Lacrosse Canada staff and will begin meeting with Member Associations, sport-system partners, funding partners, local and provincial leaders, and lacrosse leaders across Canada after July 6. Her early focus will include listening, building relationships, and working with the Board and staff to strengthen Lacrosse Canada’s operations, support Provincial partners, and position the sport for long-term success.
While lacrosse’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympic Games represents an exciting opportunity, the Board remains focused on building a strong, sustainable future for the sport at every level.
Lacrosse Canada also extends its sincere thanks to the Hiring Committee: Eva Havaris, Jeramie Bailey, Charlotte Henderson, Rob Matsuoka, and Carolyn Meacher. Their commitment, engagement, and understanding of the moment we are in speak volumes about the passion and dedication shared across our community to elevate Lacrosse Canada.
We also want to recognize and thank the Lacrosse Canada team, who have taken on numerous additional responsibilities during this transition period. Their professionalism, commitment, and willingness to support the organization through a challenging and important time have been essential. Without their efforts, Lacrosse Canada would not be at this exciting moment.
Please join us in welcoming Lori DeGraw as the new Chief Executive Officer of Lacrosse Canada.
For more information, please contact:
Kealan Pilon
Communications Coordinator
Lacrosse Canada
kealan@lacrosse.ca