John Edwards Selected as New USCA Executive Director

The Board of Directors of the United States Canoe Association (USCA) announces the selection of John Edwards as Executive Director. John was chosen at USCA's January 2002 annual meeting following a search for a permanent successor to Jim Mack, who resigned earlier this year to dedicate more time to his family. Edwards assumed his new role on January 14th.

Kelly Wypych, Board President in making her announcement stated: "John Edwards, with his knowledge of our Association and our sport, his business experience and his leadership ability, should help us grow the sport of marathon canoe and kayak racing and bring great energy to our Association."

John's demonstrated expertise and support of paddle sports, combined with his knowledge of USCA make him ideally suited to the role of USCA Executive Director. He is a hands-on leader who will help USCA strengthen our national role while working with regional interests to address the educational and organizational needs of our members.

John has been an advocate and supporter of USCA since 1975, and has been directly responsible for introducing new ideas to USCA. John's organizational accomplishments include:

Current President, Florida Competition Paddlers Association (FCPA). USCA President 1985-88. USCA Vice President 1983-84. Co-Founder, World Marathon Paddling Organization (WOMPO) in 1988. Co-Founder of (FCPA); FCPA 1977. USCA Past International Chairman. Past Chairman, Sunshine State Games for Canoe and Kayak in Florida.

John's experience with paddle sports includes personal athletic achievements such as:

Competitor at the USCA Marathon Nationals since 1975. Represented the USA three times at the World Championships, winning 2nd in 1985 on the Moselle River in Luxembourg. Olympic Trials: attended twice

John has written numerous articles for the USCA Canoe News and for the FCPA newsletter describing his paddling adventures in Bolivia, Australia, Tahiti, Thailand, and Hawaii. John is a Realtor by trade, a professional singer, guardian, home renovator, swimmer and runner.

READ THE MESSAGE FROM JOHN EDWARDS