TORONTO (2015 FIBA Americas Championship/2015 FIBA Americas Women's Championship) - It's all going well for Canada Basketball these days.

The national team program, both men and women, has plenty of young and exciting talents that are bursting onto the international scene.

Those players are in good hands, with veteran Jay Triano at the helm of the men and Lisa Thomaidis proving to be cool, calm and excellent as the coach of the women.

Behind the scenes in Canada Basketball, everything is in tip-top shape with dedicated professionals working hard and with a sense of purpose and patriotism to help the grow the sport the right way, and make sure the national teams have every opportunity to flourish.

Michele O'Keefe, who has been working as the Executive Director, is one of those pros who has left no stone unturned for Canada, grinding away with a determination but with a smile on her face.

She has just been appointed President & CEO of Canada Basketball.

O'Keefe is elated to have the opportunity to remain involved with Canada Basketball and to have a crucial role.

"I'm thrilled to have the confidence of the Board of Directors of Canada Basketball," O'Keefe said.

Basketball in Canada continues to shine both nationally and internationally. - O'Keefe

"It is my honour to lead our strong team as we continue to elevate our domestic programming and prepare our talented athletes and coaches to represent us on the international stage."

The situation could not be any brighter for Canada.

This summer, the country will host the Pan American Games in Toronto (10-26 July), and the FIBA Americas Women's Championship in Edmonton (9-16 August).

Judging from 2014, when Canada clinched a fifth-place finish at the FIBA Women's World Championship under second-year head coach Thomaidis, the national team is going to be a force to be reckoned with.

Their aim will be to reach the top of the podium in Edmonton and qualify for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in Brazil.

The men's program, which oozes with potential and has emerging NBA stars like Tristan Thompson of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Cory Joseph of the defending champions San Antonio Spurs, is one of the most talked about national squads in international basketball.

There is also the possibility that NBA Rookie of the Year candidate Andrew Wiggins of the Minnesota Timberwolves will play in Monterrey at the FIBA Americas Championship.

Wiggins has raised eyebrows on numerous occasions for the Timberwolves.

One thing is for certain.

Canada would not be the host nation for two very important tournaments this year, and there would not be nearly as much hope and optimism in the country's basketball program, if it were not for the movers and shakers in the sport like O'Keefe.

We would like to congratulate Michele on her appointment as President and CEO of Canada Basketball - Baumann

FIBA Secretary General and Member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Patrick Baumann said: "This is thoroughly deserved as she has played a leading role in helping Canada Basketball grow and achieve key goals in recent years, in particular ensuring the increasing participation and constant competitiveness of Canadian national teams in all national team events.

"This appointment is particularly special for FIBA as Michele is someone who we know very well and are proud to call upon - as a member of our Central Board and as the first Vice President of the Americas Region - to help determine what is best for basketball at all levels and in all categories across the Americas and around the world."

In Canada, there is also plenty of excitement about O'Keefe's appointment.

We believe the organization is in excellent hands and we look forward to it continuing to prosper under her leadership - Parrish

"Through her roles on both the FIBA Americas and FIBA Central Boards, she has emerged as a fresh and passionate voice in the global game," said John Mills, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Canada Basketball.

Wayne Parrish, the past President & CEO, is also worthy of praise for the contributions and leadership he has provided to Canada Basketball.

He will continue his work with Canada Basketball, joining John Mills as co-chair of the Board of Directors.

Parrish fully supports O'Keefe in her new roles.

"With her growing focus on the business operations of Canada Basketball since moving from leading basketball operations to the role of Executive Director in 2012, Michele demonstrated significant additional capacity," Parrish said.

FIBA