Jorge Bernhard and Lisa Lazarus have respectfully tendered their resignations from their positions as Directors on the Equestrian Canada (EC) Board, effective immediately.
Bernhard of Clarksburg, ON first joined the Board in 2015, and served a one-year term as President, using his vital knowledge and experience in the areas of business and sport to provide leadership during a challenging yet instrumental time of transition and renewal for EC.
Professionally, Bernhard has operated an international metal trading business for more than 20 years, gaining a diverse range of multinational business acumen. In addition, he has been a long-time sponsor of Canadian eventing athletes, and an active supporter of eventing sport for over 15 years.
“Due to personal commitments and new business obligations, I am no longer able to devote the time and effort required,” explained Bernhard. “I thank Peggy Hambly for all the good work she is doing for EC, and wish her and the EC Board success in the future.”
Born and raised in Montreal, QC, Lazarus joined the EC Board in 2016, bringing a wealth of international equestrian and professional experience. She holds a Doctor of Law from the Fordham Law School in New York, and joined the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) in 2009 as General Counsel. In 2013, she was promoted to Chief of Business Development & Strategy.
“I was motivated to join the EC Board when the FEI World Equestrian Games were scheduled to be held in Bromont, as I believed my expertise could be valuable,” explained Lazarus, who secured several new commercial partnerships, tendered media rights at a 200% increase from previous years, and launched a new licensing program during her time at the FEI.
“I feel that with all of the transitions which have happened in the last several months at EC, all Board members should be available to be engaged locally with the membership and all stakeholders,” continued Lazarus, who currently resides in Singapore. “I am certain that with a new Board coming in, now is the right time for me to tender my resignation. It has been a privilege and an honour to serve on the EC Board. I wish the new Board much success in the future.”
EC President, Peggy Hambly thanked both departing Board members for their contributions, stating, “It was with great sadness that I received these two resignations. Both Lisa and Jorge made large and important contributions to EC. They will be sorely missed.”
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