Brenda Andress is currently the Commissioner of the Canadian Women’s National Hockey League (CWHL). For the past 7 years, Commissioner Andress has shaped and led the CWHL’s vision to create the world’s most exceptional women’s professional hockey league – a place where women will ultimately earn a living playing the sport at which they excel.

Andress’ career in community recreation saw her rise to upper management at the tender age of 28. For two decades, her leadership and vision helped communities stay healthy and fit. As Director of Parks and Recreation for the Town of Newmarket, she was instrumental in the planning, development and opening of the Magna Centre and other facilities in one of the fastest growing communities in Canada. Her work in Newmarket saw her become the recipient of a Province of Ontario award for innovation.

In 2013, Commissioner Andress was recognized with a “Women of Distinction” award by the YWCA for her work in championing accessibility and diversity in sport. That same year, The Hockey News named Andress as one of “The Powers of the Future”, in their annual Power and Influence issue. Even more recently she was named as one of Canada’s 100 Most Powerful Women by the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport.

Always athletic, Andress discovered hockey at the tender age of 16 and became the first women to ever play for a men’s college varsity team, suiting up for Centennial College in 1978. Her love of hockey later took her into refereeing the game. Brenda is the author of two books and is the mother of two wonderful children and grandmother to three equally wonderful grandchildren.

Ms Brenda Andress

Founder & Commissioner, Canadian Women’s Hockey League

• Director, Parks & Recreation, Newmarket
• Winner, Award for Innovation, Ontario
• Recipient, Woman of Distinction Award, YWCA