Former Speed Skating Athlete and Coach Dustin Miller Elected New President of Luge Canada’s Board of Directors
Luge Canada has elected Dustin Miller as President of its Board of Directors, welcoming a new chapter of leadership as the organization begins its journey toward the 2030 Olympic Winter Games.
A respected leader in Canadian sport, Miller brings extensive experience in high performance sport as a short track speed skating athlete, coach and leader. His appointment comes at a pivotal time for the sport of luge in Canada as the organization looks to continue to build on its recent successes with a new generation of elite athletes and prepare for the opportunities and challenges while starting a new Olympic quadrennial.
“Sport has always inspired me through its ability to bring people together, create lifelong connections and help individuals discover what they can achieve,” said Miller, who was officially elected to the position during Luge Canada’s Annual General Meeting over the weekend. “I am honoured to serve as President of the Board for Luge Canada, and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to sport and a community that represents so much more than competition.”
Miller has spent much of his career helping athletes pursue excellence while progressing through the development pathway coaching within the Olympic Oval’s high performance short track speed skating program and recognizes the success of the Canadian luge program will be shaped by the strength and dedication of the community.
“As we begin a new Olympic cycle, we have an opportunity to reflect on the incredible work that has brought us here and look ahead with ambition and optimism,” said Miller. “The strength of Canadian luge comes from the people who dedicate themselves to our sport every day – our athletes, coaches, volunteers, clubs, staff, families, and supporters.”
Miller succeeds two-time Olympic medallist, Alex Gough, in the president’s chair. Gough decided not to run for re-election in order to free up more time for her growing family.
Strategic sport leader, Lesley Plumley (Alberta), and former national team luge athlete, Tora Yacey - Alberta, were also elected to the Board for two-year terms as Directors at Large.
Plumley brings more than 25 years of experience in event management, communications and stakeholder engagement. Known for building collaborative partnerships with national sport organizations, corporate sponsors, venues and government stakeholders, Plumley has played an instrumental role in delivering major national and international events that require strong governance, risk management, sponsor relations and complex logistics.
Yacey brings a unique combination of high-performance sport experience and emerging business leadership to the Luge Canada Board. A former member of Canada’s Junior National Luge Team who competed through 2022, Yacey has firsthand knowledge of the athlete pathway and the demands of international competition. Currently completing a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Calgary with a focus on governance, strategy and organizational leadership, she has also gained professional experience with Ryan LLC – a global tax services firm – where she will assume a full-time consultant role following graduation. Passionate about athlete development and organizational excellence, Yacey is committed to giving back to the sport that has shaped her, helping to ensure current and future athletes are supported, empowered and positioned for success.
Yacey and Plumley will join current Board members – two-time Olympian, Kim McRae (Vice-President, Sport - Alberta) Shannon Susko (Secretary – British Columbia); Ron Stitt (Treasurer - Alberta); along with Directors Peter Major (Alberta); Kevin Lundy (Ontario); Ron Podulsky (Alberta); and Olympian Devin Wardrope (Athlete Director - Alberta).
Under Miller’s leadership, the newly constructed Board will work alongside the staff and stakeholders to advance Luge Canada’s strategic priorities, support athlete development and ensure the financial sustainability of the program in an effort to deliver the resources athletes require to achieve their performance goals in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment.
“My goal is to help foster a culture where athletes can pursue excellence, volunteers feel valued and the next generation sees a pathway to dream, develop and succeed,” said Miller. “High-performance sport has the power to create not only great athletes, but leaders and role models who inspire those who follow.
“I am excited for the journey ahead and grateful for the opportunity to serve this community. Together, we will honour the legacy of those who came before us while creating new opportunities for those who follow.”
The Canadian Luge Association is a not-for-profit organization responsible for governing the sport of luge across the country. With the financial backing of from the Government of Canada, Canadian Olympic Committee and Own the Podium, the Canadian Luge Association safely recruits and develops the nation’s current and future high-performance luge athletes with the goal of regularly climbing onto the international podium. For more information on the Canadian Luge Association, please visit us at www.luge.ca on the Internet.