A Storied Legacy.
An Exciting New Vision.
An Elevated Purpose
The Bow Valley Athletic Club is no longer your dad's club. Through an uncompromising commitment to deliver an elevated member experience, expanded modern amenities, curated programming and services, and affiliations that cater to the lifestyle demands and aspirations of a diverse membership, we will provide our members with Calgary's Premier Downtown Social and Athletic Club.
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However, we are much more than a club. The BVAC is a sanctuary for young professionals and seasoned executives alike to relax, recharge, compete, and connect on their terms. We are a community that is an integral part of downtown Calgary's energy and revival.
Meet The Management Team
Dean Brown
CEO & Managing Partner
Following his graduation in Kinesiology from the University of Western Ontario, Dean worked in Toronto as the Head Squash Professional of the Adelaide Club. Eventually moving to the Cambridge Club, where he became the Club’s General Manager. In 2008, Dean became a partner and the Chief Operating Officer of the Cambridge Group of Clubs, overseeing operations at the Cambridge Club, Adelaide Club, and the Toronto Athletic Club in Toronto and Club Sportif MAA in Montreal; a position he held until 2018. In 2019, Dean took a consulting role with the Oilers Entertainment Group as the CEO of Archetype Fitness, located in JW Marriott in Edmonton’s Ice District. While there, Archetype was ranked as the number one fitness facility worldwide for the Marriott brand.
Now, at the Bow Valley Athletic Club, Dean looks forward to working with his long-time friend Darren Thomson in turning the club into one of the finest downtown fitness and racquet clubs in the country.
Darren Thomson
GM & Managing Partner
Darren has been involved with various clubs for over 40 years. Having started to play squash at the age of 12, winning numerous junior and senior titles across Canada throughout the 80’s and 90’s reaching a ranking of 8 in Canada. After graduating from the University of Victoria with a BA in Sport and Recreation management, Darren applied his skills at various clubs in Vancouver in the 1990’s and ultimately served as the squash professional/men’s club manager at Bow Valley Club from 2002-2006. For the past 15 years, he has worked in oil & gas on the service side continuing to develop his network in Calgary.
Back at the Bow Valley Athletic Club, Darren serves as General Manager and Squash/Membership Director working to create one of the best clubs in Canada alongside his long-time squash friend, Dean Brown.
Sherry Garrido
Fitness Director
Sherry started personal training full-time in 2003 after graduating from the PFT program at Mount Royal University. Her passion for fitness, wellness, and yoga has consistently grown over the years. Sherry has furthered her education by attending yearly conferences and completing cutting edge classes; always staying current with fitness trends.
Throughout Sherry’s career she’s had the opportunity to work with clients of different ages, abilities, and desires. Her extensive and diverse fitness career is what led her to take on a management position as the BVAC Fitness Director. With her knowledge and expertise, she creates world class fitness programming for our members. When she’s not at the Club she’s planning her next vacation around the world.
Jade Nielsen
Membership Coordinator
Jade has experience as an administrative support professional and marketing coordinator, with a focus on graphic design. She’s always looking for opportunities to expand her skillset so she can better serve our members. Jade is passionate about making the BVAC member experience a positive one. You can find her at the Concierge Desk ready to answer any questions you may have.
She looks forward to playing a part in BVAC’s growing success. When she’s not greeting you at the Club she’s spending time with family and friends.
Connor Turk
Head Squash Professional
Connor is a 29-year-old from Winnipeg, Manitoba. His journey into the world of squash began at the age of 5, and he has maintained a deep involvement in the sport ever since. His academic journey led him to graduate from the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba, where he pursued a major in Accounting and Entrepreneurship.
Post-graduation, Connor made a pivotal decision to elevate his commitment to squash, embarking on full-time training in preparation for joining the PSA tour. Fast forward to today, he has been a professional player on the PSA tour for four years and currently holds the 138th spot in the world rankings.
Connor's passion for squash extends to both singles and doubles, and he aspires to continue playing the sport well into his later years. Beyond squash, he has a range of hobbies, including golf, hockey, tennis, graphic design, and enjoying leisurely time by the lake.
Connor eagerly looks forward to being a part of the club, where he hopes to forge new connections and grow within the community.
Nina Duncalf
Financial Controller
Nina grew up in the North of England, went to University in Newcastle then qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Andersen. After living in Australia for a time Nina worked in Mergers and Acquisitions for eight years with EY working on mid-market and Private Equity transactions then became Finance Director for a consultancy firm. She moved to Calgary from the UK with her husband in 2011 where she became a squash and soccer mum to three little Canadians. She enjoys time with her family in the mountains, skiing, hiking, kayaking and simply enjoying all that Alberta has to offer.