Celebrating a decade of leadership: Honouring Jim Westlake

This week, the Paralympic Foundation of Canada (PFC) concluded its Board of Directors meeting with a moment of reflection and excitement for the future. After 10 years of extraordinary leadership, founding chair Jim Westlake has completed his board term. 

Since PFC’s inception in 2015, Westlake has championed its growth – drawing on his extensive leadership experience in financial services and his unwavering commitment to community. Under his guidance, PFC grew from the ground up: launching the ParaTough Cup, introducing the IGNITE campaign, establishing the Paralympic Performance Recognition program, and welcoming distinguished leaders to the Honorary Board. These initiatives, alongside countless partnerships he helped foster, have enabled hundreds of athletes to achieve excellence in Para sport.  

His dedication to inclusivity and accessible sport has left an incredible mark on the Paralympic Movement in Canada. 

To honour his lasting contributions, the Board is proud to recognize Westlake as Honorary Lifetime Chair of the Paralympic Foundation of Canada. In addition, he will continue to provide guidance as past chair for the coming year. 

“Serving as the founding chair of the Paralympic Foundation of Canada has been one of the greatest honours of my life,” said Westlake. “Over nearly two decades on the Canadian Paralympic Committee Board and later the Foundation’s Board of Directors, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the extraordinary power of Para sport to transform lives and communities. I am proud of all that we have built together – events, campaigns, and enduring partnerships – and I am profoundly grateful to the athletes, Board members, donors, and staff whose passion and dedication made it possible.”  

“Though my role is changing, my commitment to the Foundation remains strong, and I look forward to supporting its continued growth and impact in the years to come.” 

A champion for inclusion: Thank you, Mike Shaikh 

The meeting also marked the conclusion of Mike Shaikh’s decade of service as treasurer on the Board. A passionate champion for Para sport, Shaikh’s commitment to inclusion, belonging, and confidence through sport has been instrumental in advancing PFC’s mission. During his tenure, he was a strong advocate for strengthening ties to communities across the country and inspiring new supporters to join the movement. 

In recognition of his invaluable contributions, the Board has recognized Shaikh as Honorary Lifetime Board Member of the Paralympic Foundation of Canada. 

“Being part of the Foundation for the past 10 years has been deeply rewarding,” said Shaikh. “Para sport has a unique power to create belonging, self-esteem, and opportunity, and I have seen firsthand the difference it makes in communities across Canada. The Paralympic movement has come a long way since I joined the Foundation and I leave the Board with gratitude for the friendships and partnerships built, and with confidence in the Foundation’s continued growth and the impact it can have on Canadians with a disability nationwide.”  

The next chapter: Robert Cassius de Linval named chair 

With gratitude for Westlake and Shaikh’s leadership, PFC now looks ahead with optimism and is pleased to welcome Robert Cassius de Linval as the new chair of the Board.  

Since joining the Board of Directors in 2019, Robert has brought thoughtful leadership, legal expertise, and a global perspective to the Board. With his background as a Rhodes Scholar and senior executive, he is well prepared to guide PFC into its next phase of growth. 

“I am honoured to take on the role of chair and to continue the important work of building opportunities for Para athletes in Canada,” said Cassius de Linval. “Jim and Mike have left an incredible legacy, and I look forward to building on their leadership by expanding awareness of Para sport and supporting the IGNITE campaign for the development of healthy and accessible communities where everyone with a disability has access to the resources they need to succeed.” 

Joining Cassius de Linval on PFC’s leadership team are Rhonda O’Gallagher as the new vice-chair and Paul McCullough as treasurer. O’Gallagher, a seasoned communications leader with a long history of supporting the Paralympic Movement, will contribute invaluable expertise in brand, strategy, and engagement. McCullough, with his strong background in finance and governance, will strengthen PFC’s long-term sustainability.  

Together with Cassius de Linval, this leadership team will guide PFC into an exciting new era, building upon the past decade’s successes and opening new opportunities for Para athletes across the country. 

A message from the executive director 

“I am immensely grateful to Jim and Mike for their decade of leadership and service,” said Dean Brokop, executive director of the Paralympic Foundation of Canada. “Their vision and dedication have shaped PFC into what it is today. I am also thrilled to welcome Robert as our new chair, and to see Rhonda and Paul in their new leadership roles. With this strong team in place, PFC is set up to deepen its impact and create even more opportunities for Canadians with a disability to discover and excel in sport.”