By Mike Dennis, Hockey Alberta /
History was made at Hockey Alberta’s 2009 Annual General Meeting June 14 in Red Deer when former vice president of development, Annie Orton, became the first female Hockey Alberta President in the organization’s 102-year history.
“Becoming the president of Hockey Alberta is a great honour for me. Becoming the first female President is incredible. When I started on this journey, my mission was to give back to a game that has given my family so much – and I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to continue working for Hockey Alberta, it’s members and the best game,” said Orton.
Orton, who resides in Blairmore, Alta., started volunteering for Hockey Alberta in 1998. Since then, she has held many positions within the organization including Zone 5 coordinator, operations manager, and director. From 2005 to 2007, Orton was the vice president of operations. Most recently, she held the title of vice president of development from 2007 to 2009.
Orton takes over from former Hockey Alberta President, Terry Ledingham, who is moving on to Hockey Canada as a Vice Chair at Large.
To conclude the Hockey Alberta AGM, outgoing president, Terry Ledingham, presented Hockey Alberta General Manager, Rob Litwinski, with the 2009 President’s Award. This award is given out each year to a person within the Hockey Alberta organization who has made outstanding contributions to the game of hockey.
“I was honoured to receive the award from President Ledingham. An award such as this one is really an award for our entire staff to show how closely our staff and Board work together to fulfill our organization’s objectives. It was a surprise as was having my family there. The overall experience is one I will always cherish,” said Litwinski.
For more information please visit www.hockeyalberta.ca |