Standardbred Canada's So Retires

On Monday, January 30, Rosenna So, Standardbred Canada’s Chief Financial Officer since its inception in 1998, officially retired from her position after 33 years of dedicated service to the Canadian Standardbred industry. Her retirement ceremony took place during an afternoon event at SC’s main office in Mississauga, Ont.

Dan Gall, President & CEO of Standardbred Canada with retiring Chief Financial Officer Rosenna So (Photo Supplied)

Standardbred Canada employees, both past and present, joined in the office Monday afternoon to celebrate So’s exceptional tenure with the company, and to wish her the very best in retirement. It was a bit of an emotional affair for all of those in attendance, as it was tough to see one of Standardbred Canada’s most dedicated and hardest-working employees go. It was particularly hard to see a friend off.

It was not a sad afternoon, though, as So’s ‘family’ at Standardbred Canada reflected on her time with the company and shared in the excitement of her upcoming travels, which include a six-week stint across Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.

Rosenna So with her husband, Peter. (Photo Supplied)

“It is with mixed feelings that I leave Standardbred Canada,” said So, who was flanked by her husband, Peter. “I’m happy, but sad at the same time. I love my job, the membership, and all of the people that have made my 33 years with the company such a special experience.

“During my time at Standardbred Canada I have had great support from the Board, all of my bosses over the years, the managers, the staff, but especially all of the ladies in my department, Lynda, Denise and Ying. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

So joined the Canadian Trotting Association in 1983 as its Accounting Administrator and within six months was transitioned into the position of Manager of Finance. She became SC’s Chief Financial Officer in 1998 when Standardbred Canada was formed via the amalgamation of the breed's two national organizations, The Canadian Trotting Association and The Canadian Standardbred Horse Society.

So explained that she is looking forward to shifting gears in retirement, as she will have more time to spend on her many hobbies, take part in volunteer work, and spend time socializing with friends.

Chris Ferraz has now taken the reins as Chief Financial Officer at Standardbred Canada. Ferraz, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of Toronto, had been training at SC alongside So for the past few months. He has joined Standardbred Canada after a very successful ten-year tenure with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. Ferraz occupied various high-level roles during his time with the OLG, including General Manager, Audit Manager, Financial Controller and General and Operations Manager positions.