MONTREAL, April 24, 2019 (Press Release)
Tennis Canada is very pleased to announce that Jennifer Bishop has been appointed the next Chair of its Board of Directors. She takes over from Derrick Rowe, who will have completed his three-year term in May.
“I would first like to thank Derrick Rowe for his exceptional contribution as Chair of the Board of Directors and for his guidance and support for my new position,” affirmed Jennifer Bishop. “I am honoured and delighted to have been elected, and also be the second woman to hold the office in the 129 years of the Federation’s existence. Tennis has always been part of my life; I started out in the sport at a young age and earned an NCAA college tennis scholarship based on my results on the junior circuit. I can now use the skills I have acquired for the benefit of my passion. It goes without saying that Canadian tennis is thriving with double digit participation growth and major breakthroughs on the global scene, and my mission is to work with our teams to build on our opportunities and momentum to help achieve our mission of Canada becoming a leading tennis nation.”
Outgoing Chair Derrick Rowe welcomed the appointment. “My mandate as Chair is coming to an end after three busy years” he stated. “I had the immense pleasure of working with so many passionate individuals who dedicate considerable time and energy to our sport. I know Jennifer will be a great leader and is totally up for this new challenge. She understands tennis at many levels and brings a wealth of on and off court experience. I have worked closely with Jennifer over the last three years and witnessed her passion and leadership including as Chair of the Tennis Development Committee. I look forward to working with Jennifer in my role as past Chair and member of the Executive Committee.”
Jennifer Bishop has an impressive track record. She is a partner in the Business Law Group in the Toronto office of Miller Thomson LLP, serves on the leadership team of the International Bar Association’s Women Lawyers Group and is a frequent speaker on matters relating to gender equity. She is an accomplished player. In 2014, she was ranked no. 7 in the ITF World Seniors rankings in the women’s over 40 age group. Jennifer Bishop joined the Tennis Canada Board in 2016 and recently was Chair of the Tennis Development Committee, a member of the Executive Committee and previously was a member of the Finance Committee. She also serves as the immediate past President of the Toronto Lawn Tennis Club and is Chair of the Doug Philpott Inner-City Children’s Tennis Fund.
Jennifer Bishop takes office on May 16, 2019.