The Canadian Curling Association announced Wednesday that Greg Stremlaw has been hired as its new chief executive officer.

Stremlaw, a 36-year-old native of Niagara Falls, Ont., will officially assume his duties in October with Canada's sanctioning body for curling.

Stremlaw replaces Dave Parkes, who retired in May after 19 years with the association.

"On behalf of the Canadian Curling Association, I am really excited to announce that our search for a new chief executive officer has been successful," CCA President Al Forsythe said in a statement.

"He has a wealth of experience and background in sport, making him well suited to lead the CCA not only in our day-to-day operation, but also in guiding us through our governance transition."

Stremlaw was most recently the chief executive officer and executive director of the Chicopee Ski & Summer Resort in Kitchener, Ont. He also worked for the Calgary Olympic Development Association (CODA) from 1996-2002.

"I am excited to be involved in helping take the CCA in a new direction," Stremlaw said. "We want to have a vision of excellence, a vision that includes running this sport as a business with sound financial practices, team building, grassroots development and capturing the minds of the youth in this great country.

"I look forward to being part of many significant curling events in the coming years, especially the 2010 Winter Olympics in our own backyard."

The CCA oversees a number of major Canadian curling championships, including the Brier, Tournament of Hearts, Canada Cup and the Canadian junior championships.