|
|
 |
|
ph: 604-688-2398 fx: 604-688-1963
CAN'T FIND SOMETHING? |
Business in Vancouver December 30, 2008-January 5, 2009; issue 1001 Rachel Lewis COO, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Age: 34 Work life has been a ball for Rachel Lewis, the COO of the storied B.C. soccer franchise Vancouver Whitecaps FC. The Vancouver native grew up watching the team. Her father coached soccer, and her brother plays the “beautiful game.” Lewis, an avid swimmer and sailor in her youth, always enjoyed the sense of community created by sport. It was a feeling cemented first by her role as sponsorship co-ordinator for the PGA Tour’s Air Canada Championship in 1999 and then as the ACC’s tournament manager from 2000 to 2003. “That was a turning point for me in terms of really understanding the value that sport could bring, not only as a leisure activity and something fun, but in terms of creating values for the community and creating an opportunity to inspire youth and get kids active and teach them good values,” said the married Lewis who gave birth to her first child this past November. After a short stint working with the BMO Financial Group LPGA Women’s Open, she joined the Whitecaps in 2003 as director, event management. She was named COO in 2007. Being a woman in a male-dominated industry has, at times, been challenging. “Most people are responsive and receptive to you being there. Some of the barriers in the past have just been the lifestyle. Sport tends to take place in people’s leisure time. There are a lot of evenings and weekends involved. Creating that work-life balance for people or creating the opportunity for women to move to more senior levels is just something that has taken a fair bit of time,” she said. Lewis is heavily involved in two key aspects in the Whitecaps’ evolution: the pursuit of a Major League Soccer franchise for 2011 and a new waterfront stadium. While a decision on the MLS franchise is expected in the first quarter of 2009, the Whitecaps plan to move into a renovated and revamped BC Place stadium for its 2011 season. “There is an outstanding opportunity to leverage an existing facility to create a very unique home for soccer and continue to pursue the waterfront stadium at the same time.” And while Whitecaps such as Jeff Clarke are known for playing with passion on the pitch, Lewis has found her passion off the field. “It’s a great environment to work in and it makes coming to work easy every day. That’s just a great place to be. A lot of people don’t find that in their lives and I feel very fortunate to have found that.” • Birthplace: Vancouver Where do you live now: Vancouver Highest level of education: MBA, University of British Columbia Car or chosen mode of transport: BMW 325i Currently reading: A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson Last CD bought or music downloaded: Life in Slow Motion by David Gray Favourite movie: The Shawshank Redemption and Groundhog Day Favourite local restaurant: Arroy-D Thai Restaurant Profession you would most like to try: I’m in it Mentor: My dad Toughest business or professional decision: Deciding to take on the role of executive director for the Air Canada Championship – being young and the only female director on the PGA Tour was a unique but excellent experience What’s left to do: In the near future, secure a Major League Soccer franchise for Vancouver and build the waterfront stadium |
|
||||
|
Comments about this site should be sent to: | ||||||
