November 18, 2008 (Canmore, AB) РFast and Female announced today the hiring of Marie-H̩l̬ne (M&H) Thibeault as part-time Director. A Canadian Alpine Ski Team alumnus and a fitness enthusiast, Marie-H̩l̬ne brings to Fast and Female a wealth of experience from the sports world. Having occupied several positions in the realm of marketing and communications, Marie-H̩l̬ne also brings to the organization valuable business acumen.

Her most recent and present professional experience includes acting as Marketing Manager for GEDCO (Geophysical Exploration and Development Corporation) in Calgary. Prior to joining GEDCO, Marie-Hélène worked as PR& Media Manager for the Canadian Alpine Ski Team where she participated in the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin as media attaché. Before moving to Calgary in 2004, she occupied various roles in corporate communications for two Montreal-based corporations, namely Domtar Inc. and Alcan Inc.

In her role as Director for Fast and Female, Marie-Hélène will oversee all strategic and operational activities related to the highly dynamic not-for-profit organization, with particular focus on successful fundraising and
event hosting. One of her first priorities will be to coordinate all activities surrounding Fast and Female’s Annual Cross-Country Skiing Festival to be held in March 2009 in the Calgary region.

“I am particularly motivated by the idea of supporting Fast and Female in the attainment of its ambitious financial and operational objectives,” admitted Marie-Hélène. “The organization’s mission to promote personal well-being amongst women through sports is very dear to my heart. I look forward to working with many business partners in taking this message to as many young Canadians as possible.”

“I am very excited to work with M&H on the bright future of Fast and Female,” said Chandra Crawford, Cross-country Olympic gold medalist and President of Fast and Female. “M&H and I share a common passion for empowering women through sports and I am confident that we’ll be able to convey our message through many successful upcoming events and initiatives. It’s also a relief to me to have a pro moving things forward while I’m off racing World Cups and preparing for the 2010 Olympics.”

Born in Montréal, Québec, Marie-Hélène holds a MBA from the University of Sherbrooke, Québec and a BA from Dartmouth College, U.S.A. When not working, Marie-Hélène hikes trails and skis the slopes in Canmore with her husband, Eric, their young son, Thomas, and their friendly golden-lab, Milka.