York University Sport and Recreation announced on Wednesday, Aug. 5, that Duke Dickson has been named the associate director, business development and operations.
Dickson has extensive experience as a senior business executive and he brings to York University a strong record of achievement in both professional and recreational facility development. He will oversee all aspects of Sport and Recreation business and operations, including developing business plans for facility use, looking at ways to grow and develop York Lions revenue and assisting in positioning future facility development for the department.
“I am excited to have Duke join the Lions,” said Jennifer Myers, director of York Sport and Recreation. “With the addition of the new Pan American Stadium and the need to renew and develop facilities, Duke’s experience will be essential to Sport and Recreation’s continued success. His combined experience in marketing, sales, facility development and business planning fills a vital role within our department to ensure that we continue to offer programs and services designed to meet students’ needs.”
Most recently, Dickson was the president of PSG Development, a consulting service for the sport and recreation facility development industry. Prior to that, as vice-president, business development & marketing at Abilities Centre, a non-profit organization, he was responsible for overseeing all revenue and fundraising initiatives at a new multipurpose facility in Whitby, Ont.
Previously, Dickson held multiple senior executive positions over 12 years with Canlan Ice Sports Corp., including the role of senior vice-president corporate development. He also has extensive experience with professional sports franchises, including the Canadian Football League’s B.C. Lions and the National Hockey League’s Vancouver Canucks, as well as Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.
“I’m extremely happy to have been given the opportunity to join the York University team at this very exciting time,” said Dickson. “With all the enthusiasm surrounding the new Pan American Stadium, the group’s focus on customer service and programming, and the vision Jennifer and her team have for future development on campus, it’s a great time to be coming on board. I look forward to making a positive contribution.”
Dickson will begin as the associate director at York on Monday, Aug. 11.