Kitchener Rangers changing organization’s governance structure

The Kitchener Rangers are restructuring their governance model.

The board approved a motion May 6 to reduce the 39 directors running the Ontario Hockey League club to nine, in compliance with the Not-for-Profit Corporation Act 2010, which became law in 2021.

The hockey club had three years to transition corporate documents to comply with the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, due Oct. 18.

A vote will be held for subscribers at 7 p.m. on June 10, in the Subscribers’ Lounge at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, 400 East Ave., to approve the change.

The move “enhances the organization’s governance that reflects a best practice structure that will protect the Rangers as a community-owned not-for-profit moving forward,” stated a release from the hockey club.

The motion to retire the current bylaw saw 30 directors in favour, one opposed and one wishing to postpone the vote. The motion was supported by nine past presidents of the organization, the release stated.

“It is the fiduciary duty of the board to protect the organization and enhance our governance structure to modern best practice standards,” Jeff Emrich, board chair and alternate governor, said in the release.

“Our long-standing board structure and size came from a time and place that required tremendous labour and promotion to support the organization, for which we owe a sincere debt of gratitude to everyone who has served the club.

“Today’s challenges and pressures demand a modern governance structure that will enhance the board’s ability to recruit the most suitable directors to oversee our community-owned club.”

With respect to the original intent of the board, Emrich consulted senior family members of late Rangers’ founder, Eugene George, who offered their support of the proposed changes.

What has been primarily a volunteer/working board will become a governance/policy-based board, with a director’s limit maxed out at four consecutive, three-year terms.

A nomination committee will be formed to find qualified candidates for the board and vet applicants running for election. Only Kitchener Rangers subscribers can apply for election; they will retain the ability to vote for candidates to the board.

As well, the title of president will be changed to board chair. The chair, vice-chair, secretary, and treasurer will be officer positions.

The board approved a motion May 6 to reduce the 39 directors running the Ontario Hockey League club to nine