Jo-Anne Polak (born 1959) was the general manager of theOttawa Rough Riders from 1989 to 1991. Upon her appointment, Polak became the first woman executive in theCanadian Football League and the first woman general manager to lead a North American sports team. After leaving the Rough Riders, Polak primarily worked at Hill & Knowlton Canada as their vice president between the 1990s and 2000s. After becoming a general manager forCanada Post in 2008, she was named Vice President of Communications in 2011. She left the job at Canada Post in January 2025.[1]
| Born: | 1959 (1959) St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada |
|---|---|
| Career information | |
| College | Waterloo |
| Career history | |
| As administrator | |
| 1989–1991 | Ottawa Rough Riders (general manager) |
Early life and education
editIn 1959, Polak was born inSt. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador.[2] Her mother was a nurse while her father was apathologist. Polak was part of achoir while she grew up inBarrie, Ontario.[3]While Polak was in school, she joined theProgressive Conservative Party of Canada's youth group. Polak attended theUniversity of Waterloo in the environmental studies program.[2]
Career
editAs an adult, Polak continued to remain with the Progressive Conservatives and worked forMember of ParliamentSusan Fish andPhil Gillies. She also was a campaign organizer forJohn Crosbie in 1983 andLarry Grossman in 1985.[2] During her political career, Polak became an account manager for an Ottawapublic relations company in 1984. While in public relations, Polak joined theOttawa Rough Riders in 1987.[4]
For the Rough Riders, Polak was initially named business manager in December 1988,[5] and became a co-general manager alongsideSteve Goldman later that month. As general manager, Polak became the first woman to hold an executive role in theCanadian Football League[6] and the first woman general manager of a North American sports team.[7] During this time period, Polak was the alternate governor for the Rough Riders between 1989 and 1991.[8] She held the position of general manager until stepping down in November 1991.[9]
After leaving the Rough Riders, Polak was briefly a radio host from 1992 to 1993 before working atHill & Knowlton Canada as the company's vice president until 2007. Polak went on to work in communications atCanada Post as general manager in 2008 before her promotion to vice president of communications in 2011.[10] She left the job at Canada Post in January 2025.[1]
Personal life
editPolak is married with two step-children.[4]
References
edit- ^abGodfrey, Hayden; Rubin, Josh (2025-01-24)."Canada Post shakes up leadership eliminating three executives in wake of strike".Toronto Star. Retrieved2025-01-24.
- ^abcHunter, Paul (8 January 1989). "CFL's first female GM has look of winner".Toronto Star. p. G4.
- ^Baines, Tim (21 November 2020)."Making Her Story: As Ottawa Rough Riders GM, Jo-Anne Polak blazed a trail for women".Ottawa Sun. Postmedia. Retrieved16 January 2022.
- ^abMcAuley, Lynn (15 December 1988). "Whiz-kid up for it".Ottawa Citizen. p. C1.
- ^"Paper says coach hired".The Vancouver Sun. 10 December 1988. p. D1.
- ^"New man at Rider helm and woman in GM job".Toronto Star. 15 December 1988. p. C4.
- ^"Organizing Committee for the 105th Grey Cup Festival, presented by Shaw".CFL. Retrieved13 March 2018.
- ^Sawatzky, Mike (23 February 2017)."A pioneer in blue and gold".Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved13 August 2022.
- ^"Polak leaves Riders".The Globe and Mail. 18 November 1991. p. C8.
- ^"Senior Management Team".Canada Post. RetrievedFebruary 12, 2022.