WATERLOO, Ont. – Wilfrid Laurier University is pleased to announce the appointment of Ryan Lannan as its new director of athletics and recreation following a national search.
Lannan brings more than 22 years of leadership experience in post-secondary athletics, recreation and student development, including over 18 years in high-performance sport. He assumes the role after former director Kate McCrae Bristol was appointed Laurier's vice-president: student affairs in December.
A Golden Hawks alumnus, Lannan has dedicated more than two decades to Laurier Athletics and Recreation, progressing through roles including coordinator, manager and associate director.
Most recently, he served as associate director, interuniversity sport, recreation and wellness (interim), where his portfolio included leadership of high-performance sport programs, recreation and wellness, student-athlete services, and multi-campus programming.
Throughout his tenure, he has developed a reputation for cultivating positive culture, empowering teams, and advancing initiatives that support wellness, belonging and excellence.
"Ryan's longstanding commitment to Laurier Athletics and Recreation and his deep understanding of our programs, people and culture make him an outstanding choice to lead this department," said McCrae Bristol. "He has played a key role in building the momentum we are experiencing today, and his strong relationships across the OUA and U SPORTS landscape position him well to continue advancing our success at both the provincial and national levels."
Beyond the university, Lannan has played a significant leadership role across the provincial and national sport landscape. He has served as chair of the Ontario University Athletics Sport Advisory Committee and as an OUA representative on national technical committees, helping shape policy, governance and the student-athlete experience across Canada.
He also currently serves on Wilfrid Laurier University's Board of Governors, contributing to institutional strategy and governance.
"I want to thank Kate McCrae Bristol and the entire hiring committee for their belief in me," said Lannan. "I am deeply honoured to serve as Laurier's director, athletics and recreation. As a proud Laurier graduate, this university has shaped my life in countless ways and holds a special place not only for me but for my entire family.
"To have the opportunity to give back to a community that has meant so much to me is truly meaningful," he said. "I am grateful for the trust placed in me as we move forward together, and for the people within Athletics and Recreation who make it exciting to show up each day and elevate the student experience and winning culture at Laurier."
A two-time Laurier graduate, Lannan earned an honours BA in Geography and Environmental Studies in 2004 before completing a Master of Education in 2015, focusing on leadership development and learning theory.
Raised in Port Colborne, Ont., he developed an early connection to sport and community wellness and went on to play junior hockey with the Port Colborne Sailors.
Lannan is also active in the community as a volunteer coach with Kitchener Minor Hockey and Kitchener Minor Baseball.
Lannan and his wife, Lindsay, who is also a Laurier alum, live in Kitchener with their twin eight-year-old boys.
He officially assumes the role on May 1 with a focus on advancing student-athlete success, fostering inclusive environments, deepening engagement with alumni and community partners, and continuing the growth of Laurier's athletics and recreation programs in support of overall student success.
