Ottawa – Athletics Canada announced today the hires of Jared MacLeod, Kayla Cornale and Alison Legenza. MacLeod and Legenza fill the new roles of National Team Program Operations Manager and Eastern High Performance Hub Manager while Cornale steps into the position of Para-athletics Development and Talent Identification Lead.
Rob Guy, Athletics Canada Chief Executive Officer on the new hires, “I’m looking forward to working with Kayla, Alison and Jared in delivering our high performance plan. Everybody will have a role in making it happen. Two to three medals in the Olympic program, and a progression to top 10 in the Paralympic program, Rio and beyond.”
Jared MacLeod begins his administrative tenure with Athletics Canada April 22 following a lengthy career in the 110-metre hurdles which saw him compete on ten national teams, including the 2006 World Indoor and 2007 World Outdoor Championships. “Over the past four years I’ve had the privilege to serve as the male athlete representative for Athletics Canada, which has allowed me to influence some positive changes within the organization on behalf of my fellow athletes. It has also allowed me to witness first hand this new direction Athletics Canada is headed, which in my opinion is much more focused on what it can do to help support Canada’s athletes to achieve greater success at all levels. I’m extremely excited to have this opportunity to be a part of the team and to play a larger role in this new direction to improve the future of athletics in Canada.” As Operations Manager Jared will ensure effective delivery of the high performance programs, including management of the national team unit, including athlete assistance, team selection, anti-doping and oversight of technical budgets.
Kayla Cornale begins her tenure with Athletics Canada effective immediately. She is tasked with leading and directing the planning, implementation and operation of athlete development and talent identification, and aid in developing the pathway of a structured and innovative para-athletics program. “The integrated approach at Athletics Canada makes this an exciting time to be involved in Paralympic development. I look forward to working with current and future athletes as we work toward growing the sport.” Kayla was named one of Canada’s Top 20 under 20 in 2006, is the recipient of an IT Hero Award from the Information Technology Association of Canada and in 2007 was one of seven individuals chosen by CNN to receive the CNN Hero’s Award. She recently served as para-athletics Coordinator with Athletics Ontario.
Alison Legenza has been hired to fill the position of Eastern High Performance Hub Manager. She will begin her official capacities on May 1. “I am honored by the opportunity to join such an impressive and knowledgeable team of professionals at Athletics Canada. I am looking forward to continuing to build and develop strong working relationships with our partners to ensure that all of our extraordinary athletes and coaches receive the support and resources needed to fuel the rapid growth and success of athletics in Canada.” The Hub Manager will ensure effective delivery of the high performance program, including management of training facilities, enforcement of policies, and overseeing the Hub budget. Outreach and communication with carded athletes, athlete monitoring, including involvement in injury prevention programs are key priorities of the position. Alison has been Facility Coordinator at the Toronto Track and Field Centre since 2008.
