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Michael Copeland, President and Chief Operating Officer, Canadian Football League

The Canadian Football League has named Michael Copeland as president and chief operating officer.

Copeland will be responsible for the CFL's strategic and business operations and will work with commissioner Mark Cohon on building the business.

"During his first seven years with the CFL, Mike's dedication, business acumen and leadership have had a large influence on the success our league has experienced," Cohon said in a statement. "Now, with the strongest foundation the league has had in decades, and with this continuity in leadership, we are strongly positioned to take full advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead."

Copeland was originally hired in 2006 as the CFL's chief operating officer. During his tenure, he led initiatives including a new broadcast and digital rights agreement, the establishment of a new salary cap system, a new collective bargaining agreement with players, the introduction of the CFL's first drug testing policy, and the return of CFL football to Ottawa.

"I am very grateful to the CFL board of governors and Commissioner Cohon for their support and recognition," Copeland said in a statement. "But most of all, I am excited to continue to be a part of this team that is taking this league to new heights. We are at a very exciting time in the CFL's history with a tremendous opportunity to build this league for the next 100 years."

Before joining the CFL, Copeland held strategic business development and marketing roles within Molson Coors Brewing Company.

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