Feb. 25, 2025
“We’ve worked hard to develop consistent and collaborative partnerships that place the organization in excellent standing and none of that would have been possible without the entire AUS office team,” Currie said. “Though there were some pencil-sharpening years in the very beginning, for me, the legacy of this chapter of my professional career is entirely about the people I have been fortunate to work with—colleagues, community leaders and business associates who have become some of my closest friends.”
Currie took AUS from a small operation with just one-and-a-half staff positions and a budget in the tens of thousands to a thriving organization with four full-time employees and an annual budget exceeding $1.2 million.
“Phil’s contribution to university sport is unique in Canada, serving longer than any other conference lead,” said Pierre Arsenault CEO of USPORT. “He has been an integral part of the significant growth of Atlantic University Sport over his tenure. We are all grateful for his contributions and for the difference he has made for student-athletes in the region and across the country.”
At the conference level, Currie’s impact has been significant in establishing a stable corporate partnership program and improving competitive environments for student-athletes.
“Phil’s influence is without precedent, cumulatively resulting in over $3.2 million in event revenue and $6.5 million in direct association sponsorship,” said John Ryan, director of athletics and recreation at Cape Breton University. “Having worked together for over 20 years, I can say he fundamentally changed the stability of the conference and is leaving it in a position for continued growth.”
Denis Prud’homme, AUS chair and president of Université de Moncton, commended Currie for transforming the organization’s governance and establishing a reserve fund to ensure the conference’s fiscal security. “Phil’s leadership leaves behind important mechanisms for objective third-party oversight and adjudication, as well as the student-athlete health and safety committee and the inaugural equity, diversity and inclusiveness committee,” Prud’homme said. “He has left an indelible mark on university sport across the region and the country.”
Currie joined AUS as executive director and will be departing as president and CEO, a role that was redefined following a 2022 governance review. “The creation of the president and CEO position provides greater financial autonomy for the organization which is a testament to the board,” Currie said. The board at the time, was composed of presidents from AUS’s 11 member universities, which initiated and ratified the title change and scope.
“Over the last 26 years, Phil has been an incredible partner, supporter, and friend of Scotiabank Centre,” said Carrie Cussons, president and CEO of Events East Group. “We have been so proud to see the growth of Atlantic University Sport under Phil’s leadership, including breaking records at the 2024 tournament with over 25,000 fans in attendance.”
“The AUS Basketball Championship is the highlight of our event mix and welcomes visitors from across the Maritimes to our downtown core for an incredible showcase of collegiate sport,” added Cussons. “Annually AUS generates $8 million for local vendors and over $19 million in economic impact, driving excitement and vibrancy in the city during the winter seasons. We are tremendously grateful to Phil for his collaboration with us and commitment to building a sports tradition that has lasted—and will last—for generations.”
AUS serves more than 2,000 student-athletes each year in regular season conference play and annual championship events. Currie will oversee his final basketball championship from Feb. 28 to March 2. A special recognition will take place Saturday, March 1, at Scotiabank Centre during the evening doubleheader. A search for his replacement will begin after Currie’s last day on April 30.
