Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee Hosts Annual General Meeting and Elects New Board of Directors
January 15, 2026 (St. John’s, NL) – The Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee recently elected a new Board of Directors for 2026, including President, Keith White, and Vice President/ Captain of the Course, Shannon Brown.
“Volunteering with the Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee has been a great privilege and I look forward to continuing to build on my relationships with fellow volunteers, members of the rowing community and our many partners as I move into this new role,” said Keith White.
The Vice President of the Regatta Committee, Shannon Brown, also serves as Captain of the Course and is the individual responsible for all aspects of race day from schedule creation to the safety of participants and volunteers.
“Having served the Board of Directors in the role of Directorship of Sponsorships these last 4 years, I am happy to move into the role of Vice President/Captain of the Course. I started my involvement with the Royal St. John’s Regatta many years ago as rower and am excited to return my focus to the crews and this season’s upcoming race days,” said Shannon Brown.
The Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee, with its first iteration in 1826, consists of approximately 50 volunteers and is comprised of community members who generously donate time, skills and expertise based on their passion for fixed-seat rowing and the Regatta events.
The Committee is governed by the 11-person Board of Directors and continues to make strides in enhancing the event, while ensuring preservation of tradition and history. The members each hold a unique portfolio and are responsible for a specific area pertinent to Regatta Day and its associated events.
The 2026 Board of Directors includes the following elected volunteers:
| Keith White, President | Megan Brown, Director of Sponsorships |
| Shannon Brown, Vice President/ Captain of the Course | Nicole Wade, Director of Hospitality |
| Richard Legault, Secretary | Jennifer Browne, Director of Rowing |
| Shawn Kennell, Treasurer | Peter Tucker, Director of Communications |
| Ashley Peach, Immediate Past President | Gaylnne Gulliver, Director of Ground Space |
| Charles Cook, Director of Boathouse and Pond |
The Royal St. John’s Regatta is the oldest continuing organized sporting event in North America, with 2026 marking the organizations’ 208th anniversary. More information about the Royal St. John’s Regatta, including details regarding operations, learn to row programs, learn to coxswain programs, and resources on how to establish a rowing team can be found at www.stjohnsregatta.com.
