VAUGHAN, ON (December 24, 2014) -- The Board of Directors of The Ontario Soccer Association is very pleased to announce Johnny Misley as the organization’s Executive Director, effective January 5, 2015.

Misley is a highly-regarded executive with an involvement in the Canadian sports community that goes back 30 years. Prior to joining the OSA, Misley served as President of Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities and Director of Technical Leadership for Canada’s very successful Own the Podium Olympic Preparation program.

Misley also was the long-time Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations for Hockey Canada, deeply involved in the national development of the sport and achieving international podium success at World Championships, World Cup and Olympic Games.

He has been very connected to grassroots sports as well, having helped develop programs to engage children-in-need to experience the benefits of participating in sports. Over his career, Misley has developed a wide range of contacts in sport, government, media and the corporate sector, that will serve him well in his leadership role with the OSA.

“As an Association, we were seeking a decisive, experienced leader -- someone who can step into this position and help us move even more effectively through this time of significant change and opportunity for the Association,” OSA President Ron Smale said. “We were looking for someone who will be accountable and also responsive to all our stakeholders in every corner of the province. After a thorough search, we identified Johnny as the person who can take us where we need to go.”

For his part, Misley sees this as a tremendous opportunity: "I look forward to serving as the new Executive Director for the OSA and working closely with President Ron Smale and the Board of Directors,” Misley said. “These are exciting times for soccer in Canada and for the Province of Ontario. Participant registration is at an all-time high and we will be hosting the Women’s World Cup in 2015."

The OSA is one of the largest sport organizations in Canada, with more than 400,000 registered players, coaches, referees and administrators.