Key Points:

• Prestigious Recognition: Laurence Pontbriand, Senior Manager at CFL, is awarded the Jane Mawby Tribute Award for 2023.
• Championing Diversity: Pontbriand’s efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion in the CFL are highlighted through successful league programs.
• Legacy of Impact: The award commemorates Jane Mawby’s dedication to the CFL, recognizing similar contributions across the league.

Laurence Pontbriand, the Senior Manager of Football & Officiating Development at the Canadian Football League (CFL), has been named the recipient of the 2023 Jane Mawby Tribute Award. This honor, first presented in 2019, acknowledges a current employee at the club or league level for their significant yet often overlooked contributions.

CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie praised Pontbriand for her visionary leadership and commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the league and its communities. Her work, fueled by her experiences as a player on Canada’s National Team, focuses on empowering athletes and promoting a positive team culture. Pontbriand’s dedication has significantly impacted the CFL’s initiatives, especially in areas of diversity, equity, and anti-racism.

Under her guidance, the CFL has launched the Women in Football Program presented by KPMG and the Diversity in Football Program presented by Securian Canada. These initiatives have successfully integrated 36 participants across the league’s nine clubs and have led to the full-time employment of three participants within the CFL clubs.

The Jane Mawby Tribute Award, named after the late Jane Mawby of the Calgary Stampeders, is a testament to Mawby’s 28 years of devotion to the CFL. It is awarded to individuals who demonstrate a similar passion and commitment to their work within the league. Pontbriand was chosen from nominations by the nine CFL member clubs and the league office, with the final selection made by a committee of team presidents.

The award was presented as part of the CFL Awards during the Grey Cup Festival, which features over 40 events celebrating football, music, and community engagement. This year’s Grey Cup, the 110th edition, will be held at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, with a halftime show by Green Day. The game will be broadcast live nationally and internationally, underscoring the CFL’s commitment to expanding its reach and impact.