CASEM Appoints new Executive Director, Helen Haworth
Dear CASEM Members,
It is with great pleasure that I announce the appointment of Helen Haworth as CASEM’s new Executive Director, effective September 28, 2026. Following a national recruitment process that attracted a strong field of candidates, the Executive undertook a thorough interview and selection process. After careful consideration, Helen was selected as the successful candidate, and we are delighted that she will be taking on this important role.
Helen has been an important part of the CASEM team for over a decade and brings with her a strong understanding of our organization, our members, our volunteers, and the unique community that makes CASEM so special. Her knowledge, enthusiasm, and commitment to CASEM will serve her well as she takes on this important leadership role. I am very excited to welcome Helen into this position and look forward to working with her as CASEM begins this next chapter.
This announcement also marks a very significant moment in CASEM’s history. After almost 25 years as CASEM’s Executive Director, Dawn will step down from the role on September 27, 2026. It is difficult to capture in a few words what Dawn has meant to CASEM. Over almost a quarter of a century, she has been a constant presence and an incredible champion for our organization, our profession, and most importantly, our members. She has guided CASEM through periods of tremendous growth and change, always with an unwavering commitment to making the organization stronger and serving our community.
For many of us, Dawn is simply part of the fabric of CASEM. She has built lasting relationships with generations of members, physicians, volunteers, partners, and colleagues. Her knowledge of CASEM is remarkable, but perhaps her greatest contribution has been the many networks, relationships and friendships she has developed along the way.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, and on behalf of the entire CASEM community, I want to extend our deepest thanks to Dawn for her extraordinary dedication, her leadership, and the countless contributions she has made over the years. CASEM is a stronger organization because of her commitment and hard work. On a personal note, I would like to thank her for her many years of friendship and the encouragement she has provided to me in my SEM career.
While Dawn is stepping down as Executive Director, we are very pleased that she will remain with CASEM in an advisory capacity through December 30, 2026. This will provide valuable continuity during the transition and give Helen, the national office team and the board an opportunity to draw on Dawn’s tremendous institutional knowledge and experience as we all work together to guide the organization through this change.
Transitions such as this are both an ending and a beginning. While we will certainly miss having Dawn at the helm, we can also look ahead with confidence and excitement about what comes next for CASEM so please join me in welcoming Helen to her new role, and in giving Dawn our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for almost 25 years of service to CASEM.
Dr. Darrell Menard
President
Canadian Academy of Sport & Exercise Medicine (CASEM)