Alpine Canada | News | Canada’s sport leaders announce full support for Deidra Dionne’s candidacy for FIS Council

Canada’s Snow Sport National Sport Organizations and the Canadian Olympic Committee announce their full support for Deidra Dionne’s candidacy for the International Ski & Snowboard Federation (FIS) Council.

May 6, 2024 –  As an emerging leader with a deep commitment to skiing and snowboarding and its athletes, Deidra Dionne has been involved in governance at both the national and international levels over 15 years.  She served as a member of the FIS Council Executive Committee since 2022.  During this time, she brought a commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability and a unique perspective on sport & entertainment media rights on behalf of FIS members and athletes. 

Dionne has served as a member of the Canadian Olympic Committee Board of Directors (2008-14), on Freestyle Skiing Canada Board of Directors (2012-16) and is the current Chair of the Board of Canadian Women and Sport (since 2018).  She also served as a Governor on the Board of the Canada Games Organizing Committee for the 2019 Canada Winter Games.   

Dionne is a sport and entertainment executive and lawyer with 10 years of business experience spanning across Canada’s # 1 sports network at Rogers Sport & Media, the National Hockey League Players Association, and the National Football Player’s Association.  In addition to her professional achievements, Dionne is widely respected for her integrity and dedication to sport and her collaborative approach to navigating complex stakeholder management issues.    

Dionne is also a 2-time Olympian and 2002 Olympic Bronze medallist in aerials, who has achieved 2 podiums at the World Championships and 11 World Cup podiums over a stellar career that spanned 11 years with the Canadian National Freestyle Team. 

Canada’s Snowsport National Sport Organizations, represented by the Canadian Snowsports Association (CSA) and its Board of Directors, firmly believe that Deidra Dionne’s unique experience and passion for snow sports make her the ideal person to represent the interests of athletes and federations worldwide, unanimously put forward her candidacy. 

“Deidra is part of a new and innovative wave of sport & entertainment business leaders in our country,” said Therese Brisson, President & CEO of Alpine Canada and CSA Board Director.  “She brings an athlete perspective, thought leadership on creating more inclusive sport experiences as an engine for growth, and deep experience with how to commercialize sport & entertainment media rights in a rapidly evolving landscape that has experienced unprecedented disruption.  Her leadership will help move our sports forward, and we know she will bring unique and timely expertise to the FIS Council.  Together, the Canadian snow sport National Sport Organizations and CSA Board of Directors are proud to endorse Deidra for FIS Council and are confident in her ability to advocate effectively. ” 

Tricia Smith, President of the Canadian Olympic Committee, also voiced her support.  “As an organization committed to supporting Canadian athletes on the world stage, we recognize the importance of strong leadership within international federations,” said Smith.  Deidra’s track record of leadership and advocacy aligns perfectly with the values of the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Olympic movement.  We strongly endorse Deidra’s candidacy for the FIS Council and believe she will be an exceptional representative for skiing and snowboarding on the international level.”

Canada’s most decorated alpine athlete, Erik Guay, with 25 World Cup podiums, 2011 Downhill and 2017 super-G World Champion, and 2010 super-G Crystal Globe and FIS Alpine Executive Committee member said, “We are firmly behind Deidra and know she will bring an athlete perspective and the right business leadership and experience to the FIS Council as FIS continues to evolve and work towards growing ski and snowboard sports globally.”   

The election for the FIS Council takes place at FIS Congress on June 5, 2024.

The Canadian Snowsports Association is an alliance of ski and snowboard National Sport Organizations who are the governing bodies for the sports in Canada including Alpine Canada, Canada Snowboard, Freestyle Ski Canada, Nordiq Canada, Nordic Combined Ski Canada, Ski Jumping Canada, Speed Skiing Canada, and Telemark Ski Canada.