Mark Rowan Named CSA President; Ken Read Vice President

The Canadian Snowsports Association (CSA) today announces the appointment of FIS speed skier Mark Rowan as its President & Board Chair and the appointment of Ken Read as Vice-President and Board Vice-Chair, who will each bring a fresh perspective to the leadership of the organization, while working along side the principals of its disciplines to maintain Canada’s reputation as a leader in snow sports.

As a Partner practicing law in Vancouver, Mark Rowan has a very broad litigation practice and a great deal of experience in acting for individuals and corporations, both large and small. He also brings 15 years of volunteer Board success in the Canadian not-for-profit sector to the CSA. A former FIS Alpine ski racer with cross-country and snowboarding experience, Mark Rowan remains an avid participant in FIS Speed Skiing events, achieving a personal best of 210+ kph this past season in Vars, France.

President and Board Chair Mark Rowan is joined at the helm of the CSA by respected Canadian sport leader Ken Read as its Vice-President and Board Vice-Chair. Mr. Read is well known in the FIS family, as a winner of multiple FIS Alpine World Cup races including the Hahnenkamm. His previous service to sport includes Board roles with the Canadian Olympic Committee, IOC Athletes Commission, Canadian Athletes Commission, and Nordiq Canada where he was Chair of its Governance Committee. He also brings more than 40 years of experience working with CSA and FIS Committees and Sub-Committees, including 34 years as a member of the FIS Alpine Executive Board. 

After 21 years as CSA President & Board Chair of the CSA, freestyle pioneer and an honoured inductee into the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame, Chris Robinson has retired from the CSA leadership team. Mr. Robinson will continue his valuable work on FIS Committees and Sub-Committees.

“To meet the challenges of the future in a changing sport environment, the Canadian Snowsports Association looks forward to renewal in governance, communications and working closely with the FIS.” said the newly installed CSA President Mark Rowan. “The CSA will strive to work closely with all our member disciplines – both its Olympic and non-Olympic national sport organizations - who manage Canada’s snow sport athletes. The FIS is our partner to promote participation in snow sports and to provide athletes with the best possible competitive opportunities.”