KELOWNA, B.C. – The UBCO Department of Athletics and Recreation is pleased to announce the appointment of Layne McDougall to the role of Director, Operations.
 
McDougall steps into the role with over 15 years of experience at UBC Okanagan, having served in a variety of capacities at the University since 2010. She will work closely alongside the department's incoming Director, Varsity Athletics, to provide strategic leadership and oversight of operational, financial and administrative functions.
 
"Layne brings everything we were looking for: deep institutional knowledge, proven operational and financial leadership, and a genuine commitment to the people and programs that make Athletics and Recreation vital to student life at UBCO," said Dr. Dale Mullings, Associate Vice-President, Students at UBCO. "This promotion reflects our confidence in her ability to help lead this department into its next chapter."
 
"I'm excited to for the opportunity to help shape the next chapter of Athletics & Recreation at UBCO and supporting continued growth within the department," commented McDougall on her appointment. "I look forward to co-leading efforts that strengthen our programs, support our people, and enhance the experience of our students, student-athletes, and community."
 
The appointment for McDougall continues a career that saw her begin at UBCO in 2010 as the department's Recreation Coordinator before serving as the Recreation Manager from 2013 to 2023. During that stretch, she oversaw a growth of programming both on and off campus that increased recreation engagement by nearly 300 percent.
 
Over the past couple of years, she has served a variety of leadership roles, including one year as the Director, Student Engagement and Learning, as well as the Manager, Recreation and Athlete Services last year.
 
Since September, McDougall has been serving as the Interim Director, Operations and Planning, helping develop a new department philosophy for Athletics and Recreation, leading a full organizational restructure and improving budgetary decision making.
 
"Layne's career at UBCO is a testament to what it means to grow with an institution," continued Dr. Mullings. "With over 15 years of experience at UBCO, her work has impacted tens of thousands of students in the gym, on the field, and through programs that make UBCO a place where students genuinely feel they belong. We are fortunate to have her in this role."
 
With McDougall's promotion, the department will now turn their focus to hiring the Director, Varsity Athletics to round out the Heat's new leadership structure.