Montreal, June 22, 2021 – The extended family of the Quebec Foundation for Athletic Excellence (FAEQ) is moved by the announced departure of its outgoing president, Mr. Claude Chagnon, who has been steadfast in his role for over twenty years, and proudly announces the arrival of Mr. Martin Lavigne, a board member and senior vice-president of the FAEQ since 2012.
What they said:
«More than twenty years as president and over 35 years dedicated to the mission of the FAEQ. I haven't seen the time pass, and yet, we have met many challenges and accomplished numerous projects over these three decades. I am happy to pass the torch to Martin Lavigne, a former high-level athlete who headed National Bank Financial for nearly 10 years and whose values, vision, energy, and network will certainly help the FAEQ grow as an organization, develop new avenues, and achieve its new objectives in connection with its 2021-2026 strategic plan. Thank you to the FAEQ for its trust and this superb professional and personal adventure. Student-athletes will never cease to inspire me and support my passion for having contributed to their full development in sports, their studies, and their professional careers.»
Claude Chagnon, outgoing president of the Fondation de l'athlète d'excellence
«I am happy and moved to be able to take on this challenge. The FAEQ has been close to my heart for 9 years now, and its mission, vision, and values strongly resonate with me. I fully intend to use my background as an athlete and my many years of management experience to support the permanent staff and our directors in achieving our objectives, and thereby help as many elite student-athletes as possible achieve their overall development.»
Martin Lavigne, new president of the FAEQ
«The FAEQ would like to highlight the generosity, commitment, availability, vision, and unwavering support of Claude Chagnon throughout all his years as president. His dedication to university and Olympic sport and his respect for the individuals who play an important role within the FAEQ—permanent staff, directors, partners, donors, and sponsors—have contributed to the expansion and success of the FAEQ. Thank you, Claude. Now it is Martin Lavigne's turn to guide and inspire us with his expertise, vision, creativity, leadership, network, and passion for the athletic, academic, professional, and personal journeys of our bursary recipients.»
Patricia Demers, Executive Director of FAEQ since 2016
About Martin Lavigne
Originally from Quebec City, Martin Lavigne is a former professional baseball athlete with the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1990 to 1993. Today, he is Chief Commercial Officer of Edgenda, whose mandate is to help companies succeed in their transformation, whether technological, organizational, or human. President of National Bank Financial – Wealth Management from 2011 to 2020, he has served as a board member with the FAEQ (since 2012) and the CHUM Foundation (for 10 years). In addition, he is the honorary co-chair of the FAEQ's Urban Sugar Shack alongside Laurent Duvernay-Tardif.
