For Immediate Release
Ottawa, Ontario — April 2026
The Ottawa Sooners Football Club is proud to announce the appointments of Chuck Najm and Norm Odjick to the Ottawa Sooners Advisory Council. Both individuals bring exceptional leadership and deep roots in Ottawa, and their contributions will play a meaningful role in advancing the Club's mission of developing athletes and strengthening our community presence.
A Message from Kevin Ling, President & Executive Director
The Ottawa Sooners Football Club was founded in 1960 on the belief that community football is more than a game — it is a vehicle for developing character, building opportunity, and leaving a lasting legacy in the lives of young athletes and the city that supports them. That belief has guided every decision we have made in rebuilding this organization, and it is the foundation upon which our Advisory Council has been established.
The appointments of Chuck Najm and Norm Odjick represent a deliberate and meaningful step in that process. We are not simply filling seats on a council. We are building a team of accomplished individuals who are deeply connected to the values, the community, and the long-term vision that defines the Ottawa Sooners.
Chuck's story is woven into the fabric of this organization. As a former Sooner who went on to compete at the university level — earning two Vanier Cup championships and induction into the Saint Mary's University Hall of Fame — he exemplifies what this program aspires to produce. His return to the Sooners, now in a strategic leadership capacity, speaks to the lasting bond between this club and the athletes it has shaped.
Norm Odjick's appointment as our Indigenous Community Liaison reflects a commitment that goes beyond football. The Ottawa Sooners operate in a city and a region with deep Indigenous roots, and it is both our responsibility and our privilege to ensure that our organization reflects and honours that reality. Norm's distinguished career in Indigenous governance, public-sector leadership, and community stewardship brings a perspective to our council that will strengthen every dimension of what we are building.
"Together, these appointments signal the direction of this organization — grounded in legacy, guided by integrity, and committed to serving the full breadth of our community. I am honoured to have both Chuck and Norm as part of the Ottawa Sooners family."
— Kevin Ling, President & Executive Director, Ottawa Sooners Football Club / Ottawa Sooners Foundation
Ottawa Sooners Advisory Council Members
Chuck Najm
Advisory Council Member — Director of Strategic Legacy & Financial Sustainability
Chuck Najm is a former Ottawa Sooners player and championship winner who advanced to the university level, where he captured two Vanier Cup championships and was later inducted into the Saint Mary's University Hall of Fame. He also represented Team Ontario during his playing career, demonstrating a sustained commitment to high-performance sport throughout his athletic life.
Professionally, Chuck brings over 18 years of experience in the public sector, complemented by a strong background in business operations, financial planning, and organizational strategy.
Role Responsibilities
- Advancing initiatives tied to long-term financial sustainability
- Legacy program development
- Alignment of public, private, and community partnerships
Norm Odjick
Advisory Council Member — Indigenous Community Liaison
Norm Odjick is a senior executive and experienced board member with more than 25 years of leadership in governance, strategic planning, and organizational management. Since 2004, he has served as Director General of the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council, overseeing operations, budgeting, staffing, and complex cross-sector partnerships in both English and French.
A proud member of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, Norm is recognized for his thoughtful leadership, sound judgment, and steadfast commitment to service.
Board & Governance Experience
- National Capital Commission
- University of Ottawa Board of Governors
- Native Benefits Plan's Retirement and Investment Committees
- Caisse Populaire Desjardins de la Haute-Gatineau
His background spans financial oversight, investment stewardship, public-sector accountability, and community-focused leadership.
About the Ottawa Sooners Football Club
Founded in 1960, the Ottawa Sooners Football Club is one of the Ottawa Football Conference's most storied community football organizations. Operating under the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) framework, the Sooners are committed to developing athletes, building character, and strengthening Ottawa's sporting community.
"Once a Sooner, Always a Sooner."
Ottawa Sooners Football Club
Media Contact
Kevin Ling, President & Executive Director, Ottawa Sooners Foundation
Email: gm@ottawasooners.ca
Phone: 613-808-1987
Website: www.ottawasooners.ca
For additional media inquiries, please visit the Contact page.