Niagara College opens door for Canada Basketball president
The head of Canada Basketball is headed back home to join Niagara College as associate director of athletics and recreation.
Welland native Michele O’Keefe, the organization’s current president and chief executive officer, began her professional career with Canada Basketball in 1994 and has held a number of positions over the years.
Prior to rejoining Canada Basketball in 2010, O’Keefe was executive director of Ontario Basketball, the college said in a release.
“I’m excited for the next phase of my life. I’ve always thought I would like to move back to the Niagara region and Niagara College has opened this door for me,” O’Keefe said.
“There are so many great things happening at Niagara College and I’m thrilled to join the team.”
The college said the addition of O’Keefe comes at an exciting as it recently hosted the 2018 OCAA Men’s Basketball Championship, and announced it will be the host of the 2019 CCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Michele back to Niagara, and to the athletics and recreation team at Niagara College,” said Dave Taylor, associate vice-president of academic and learner services.
“Her leadership skills and experience managing provincial and national sport associations, as well as her strong community connections will help cement Niagara College’s role as a key player in Niagara’s sport and tourism industries.”
During her time with Canada Basketball, O’Keefe was integral in bringing several world-class basketball tournaments to Canada, including the FIBA U18 Americas Championship 2018, coming to St. Catharines this June.