NGCOA Canada Announces New CEO: Nathalie Lavallée Takes Over Leadership as Jeff Calderwood Retires

August 14, 2025

The National Golf Course Owners Association Canada board of directors is pleased to announce that current COO, Nathalie Lavallée, will be promoted to the position of Chief Executive Officer upon Jeff Calderwood’s retirement on December 31.

Ms. Lavallée’s 25-year tenure with the NGCOA Canada lays the foundation for a seamless CEO succession, backed by exceptional management experience and deep institutional knowledge.

Throughout her distinguished career with the Association, Nathalie has held several key leadership roles, including Director of Membership, Director of Communications, and most recently, Chief Operating Officer. In her role as COO, she successfully oversees the day-to-day operations of the Association and manages a team across the country, playing a vital role in driving its continued growth and success over the past two and a half decades.

Her background also includes experience in hotel management and serving a federal cabinet minister on Parliament Hill—expertise that further enhances her leadership profile in both the golf industry and association management. Fully bilingual, Nathalie brings a broad and valuable perspective to her new role, ensuring continuity and a strong vision for the future of the NGCOA Canada.

“We are thrilled to welcome Nathalie as our next CEO”, said Richard Edmonds, current NGCOA Canada president. “She is a very dynamic, forward-thinking leader whose experience aligns perfectly with our ongoing strategic goals serving Canadian golf course operators from coast-to-coast.”

"I am honoured and energized by the opportunity to lead the NGCOA Canada into its next chapter," said incoming CEO Nathalie Lavallée. "With the strength of our team, the continued support of our dedicated Board, and the solid foundation built over the past 34 years, I am confident this will be a smooth and seamless transition. I’m deeply grateful to the Board for their trust in me, and I look forward to collaborating closely with them and our exceptional staff to continue delivering value to our members and driving the Association’s mission forward”, continued Lavallée. “Having had the privilege of working alongside Jeff Calderwood for the past 25 years, I want to express my sincere appreciation for his visionary leadership and mentorship. His passion and dedication have shaped the NGCOA Canada into what it is today, and I am committed to building on that legacy with purpose and momentum."

Jeff Calderwood, current CEO of NGCOA Canada, whose 34 years of leadership guided the Association from its inception to the strong, nationally recognized organization it is today, expressed his full support for the upcoming CEO transition: “I am highly confident in the board’s decision that Nathalie is the ideal leader to continue the NGCOA Canada’s success. I’m proud of all that our team has accomplished over the years, and it is comforting to know that the future is in very good hands under her leadership.”

Lavallée will continue to be based in the NGCOA Canada head office in Ottawa, while traveling as needed to effectively lead its national membership and 8 regional chapters.

ABOUT NGCOA CANADA

The NGCOA Canada is a not-for-profit trade association representing the business interests of Canadian golf course operators and related stakeholders, with a membership of over 1450. Key initiatives include the Golf Business Canada Conference & Trade Show, Spring Warm Up Meetings, Golfmax Purchasing Programs, Take A Kid To The Course, Welcome to Golf, Get Golf Ready, GOLFEXPOs, Golfer’s Red Books, Rounds Played Reports, Revenue Tracker, Weather Impact Reports, Compensation & Benefits Reports, Golf Business Canada Pulse Reports, Golf Jobs Canada, Business Consultation, and Government Advocacy.