Brenda Andress, also known as the “Thought Leader " is currently the Commissioner of the Canadian Women’s National Hockey League
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For the past 7 years Brenda 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. Brenda’s 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, Brenda 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, Brenda 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 Brenda as one of “The Powers of the Future”, in their annual Power and Influence issue.  This year she was named the top 100 Award winner as Canada’s Most Powerful women and the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport, Most Influential Women of 2014. Always athletic, Brenda 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. Brenda’s love of hockey took her into refereeing the game, ultimately achieving one of the highest rankings, Level 6.  Brenda is the author of two books; mother of two wonderful children and grandmother to three equally wonderful grandchildren.