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Swim BC Announces Appointment of Elmar Heger as New Executive Director
May 2, 2025
The Board of Directors of Swim BC is thrilled to announce the appointment of Elmar Heger as the organization’s new Executive Director. Following a comprehensive search process, Elmar emerged as the ideal candidate to lead Swim BC into its next chapter, bringing a wealth of experience in sport leadership, a deep passion for swimming, and a proven track record of organizational growth and community engagement.
Elmar joins Swim BC after a successful six-year tenure as General Manager/Executive Director of Biathlon Alberta, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership in overseeing all operational and strategic aspects, expanding revenue, increasing staffing, and growing event participation. His professional background spans over two decades in sports and marketing, including significant time dedicated directly to swimming as both a swim coach and a strength and conditioning specialist for swimmers at various levels, from grassroots to national teams. He has also served as Head Coach for master’s swim clubs and university teams. This extensive background provides Elmar with a profound understanding and appreciation of the athlete development pathway.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Elmar Heger to lead Swim BC,” said Jeannie Lo, Swim BC President. “Elmar’s combination of strategic leadership experience, financial acumen, proven ability to build stakeholder relationships, and his deep, personal connection to aquatics make him uniquely qualified for this role. His experience as a former professional athlete, coach, and successful non-profit leader resonates strongly with our values of Community, Integrity, Innovation, and Stewardship. We are confident that under his leadership, Swim BC will continue to enhance its support for athletes, coaches, officials, and clubs across the province, further advancing the sport of swimming in British Columbia and Canada.”
Elmar holds a degree in Sport Science/Sport Management with a focus on aquatic sports, strategic marketing, events, and sponsoring. His energetic, forward-thinking approach and expertise in strategic planning, operational oversight, and fund development will be invaluable assets as Swim BC works to implement its strategic priorities and serve its members.
“I am honoured and deeply motivated to take on the role of Executive Director for Swim BC,” said Elmar Heger. “My passion for swimming is longstanding, and I am eager to apply my leadership experience to support and grow this vibrant community. I look forward to working closely with the Board, staff, athletes, coaches, officials, and partners to build upon Swim BC’s successes and foster excellence at every level of the sport.”
The Board of Directors also wishes to extend its deepest gratitude to the outgoing Executive Director, Ken Radford. Ken has dedicated many years of service to Swim BC and the broader swimming community, leaving an indelible mark on the sport in British Columbia. His leadership, commitment, and passion have been instrumental in the organization’s development, and we thank him sincerely for his significant contributions and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
Elmar Heger will officially assume his role as Executive Director on June 2nd, 2025.