November 21/06 3:47 am - OCA Executive Director to Leave

Posted by Editor on 11/21/06
 

Ontario Cycling Association's Executive Director Takes up New Challenge
Courtesy OCA

The Ontario Cycling Association (OCA), the provincial governing body for cycling in Ontario, announced today that Steve Merker, its Executive Director, will take up new challenges at the end of the year to pursue a career opportunity with the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation.

"Steve has made significant contributions to cycling and has built a strong organization, " said Jim Crosscombe, OCA President. "I sincerely wish him the best of luck in his new endeavour, and I am confident that he will be able to bring as much to his new organization as he did for the OCA."

Under Merker's stewardship, the association increased revenues from $535K to almost $1million, grew membership numbers from 7,500 to 10,000, helped facilitate the Citizen Permit membership program, On-line registration, and refocused a commitment to improving support to the High Performance program. With several new projects in the pipeline for 2007, there is nowhere to go but up.

Merker observed "We have achieved much of what we planned for the organization; however, there is still some great upside for the OCA. Focusing on youth programs and financial responsibility will ensure the continued long term success of the OCA. At this moment I would like to wish all athletes, coaches, organizers, my colleagues across the country, and indeed all staff, the very best for the future."