Kathy Wade Vlaar, Manager of Member & Stakeholder Relations, will be leaving Standardbred Canada to pursue other opportunities.

Kathy has been the leader and organizer for the nation’s annual O’Brien Awards for 19 years. She has spearheaded and organized the National Driving Championship since 2007, the World Driving Championships on multiple occasions, and in recent years, initiated National Caretaker Appreciation Day events across the country. 

In 2003, she joined the association full-time following several years on contract and assumed the role of Manager of Industry Marketing at that time, initiating programs and several major promotions including the Trot Canada National Handicapping Contest, Xtreme Horsepower, the WannaBet Program, The I Love Canadian Horse Racing Fan Club, Trot 4 Kids initiatives, the Heart of Harness Racing Calendar, two National Wagering Conferences and Mother’s Day Open House Events.

“Harness racing has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I’m extremely grateful to have worked for so long at something that I’ve been very passionate about,” said Wade Vlaar.  “I’m thankful for the opportunities and support SC provided me over the years to initiate new programs and projects, and have been very fortunate to work with an amazing and dedicated team of industry professionals at SC. I’m wanting  more of a work - life balance and have a few ideas to explore later this year but I’ll always have a connection to harness racing in some capacity.”

“Kathy has been an extraordinary representative and ambassador for Standardbred Canada,” said Dan Gall, President and CEO.  “We thank Kathy for her wonderful leadership, dedication, commitment, and the hard work that she has given us over so many years, and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”

Wade Vlaar’s last day at Standardbred Canada will be Thursday, March 31.

For more information, please contact Darryl Kaplan at [email protected].