Winning the right way matters more.
Trevor Lewington
CEO at Economic Development Lethbridge & Mayor of the Village of Stirling
I've had a LOT of questions from colleagues, clients and community stakeholders over the last 48 hours.
Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone deserves a second chance. However, a penitent person must not only seek forgiveness but also demonstrate sorrow. The question for me is what is someone willing to do to demonstrate their repentance? What meaningful action have they undertaken to right past wrongs?
To not reach out directly and personally to Akim Aliu in a timely fashion would seem to be a pretty big gap from a meaningful action perspective. I'm also not clear on the outcome of the further allegations made by Michal Jordan.
It is my view that hiring an individual to a critical leadership role with what appears, from multiple accounts, to be a pattern of racist and abusive behaviour is entirely inconsistent with the vision of an organization that is "a community owned, player-centric organization that provides opportunities for amateur athletes" with a stated goal "to become the team of choice while providing an engaging entertainment experience for fans and enhancing the reputation of Lethbridge."
The media event announcing Bill Peters as the Head Coach for the Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club on Wednesday morning began at 10:00 am. I tendered my resignation from the Board of Directors about 90 minutes later at 11:37am.?
The hiring of staff is predominantly an operational decision beyond the scope of a Governance Board. Nevertheless, I cannot sit idly by when such a decision, in my opinion, has the potential to both damage the reputation of the organization and fundamentally impair its ability to fulfill its mandate.
This is not about woke or cancel culture or virtue signaling. It’s about the need to ensure the right environment for young athletes. It’s about the need for continued progress in hockey culture.?It's about the harm caused to Aliu, Jordan and others.
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The Lethbridge Hurricanes are an amazing organization and one of the very few community-owned teams in the league. The players invest considerable amounts of their time in the community and support many worthy causes with their volunteer efforts. The hockey and operations staff worked miracles through and after COVID to keep the organization both solvent and functioning. The award winning business team has developed a highly regarded entertainment experience for their loyal fans. The hockey staff develop award winning athletes and, more importantly, develop responsible and capable young men. I'm proud of the organization's commitment to the player education fund that supports these young amateur athletes to fulfill their dreams and at the same time complete their post secondary education.
I'm incredibly grateful for my 5 years on the Board of Directors and for all that I've been fortunate to learn and experience through that association. The Board members are hard working and dedicated volunteers who truly have the best interests of the team and community in mind with everything they do.
Directors owe a fiduciary duty to the organization. To me that means looking out for the best interests of the whole organization and its stakeholders. I don't believe I can do that well if I can't support such key staffing decision. Hence my resignation.
I’ve spent a good part of my career working with community partners to advance supports and programs for traditionally underrepresented groups. Progress is a fragile path?that must be actively nurtured. Winning is important... especially for a sport entertainment business. For me, winning the right way and doing no harm is more important.
I wish the whole Hurricanes organization nothing but the best for the future but time will tell if sponsors and season ticket holders will vote with their wallets.
A similar perspective here:
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4 个月Trevor, thanks for sharing!
Vice-President, Research at The University of Lethbridge
1 年Very well articulated, Trevor. Thank you for speaking up and speaking out.
Principal, Doyle & Associates - Public Relations/Political Strategy/Public Engagement/Governance/Project Management
1 年I applaud your decision, Trevor. As always you are a leader who demonstrates an understanding of how important it is to lead with integrity. That is such a rare characteristic these days. Southern Alberta is very fortunate to have you with us and for your thoughtful and courageous leadership.
Public Affairs Manager, University of Lethbridge
1 年Very well expressed Trevor, and a thoughtful approach to the situation. I was not surprised at all by your resignation, having seen the manner in which you conduct yourself and the organizations you represent. As you say, second chances are deserved but they are also earned and myself and many of my friends and colleagues wondered why a community organization such as the Hurricanes would take this leap before such a step was made. Why are we his redemption story when the work hadn't been done in the first place?
Client Manager
1 年Always a person with integrity, this is another step up, much admiration for all you do and support, this would not have been easy, thanks for sharing and all you did while on the board!