ITHACA, N.Y. - Andy Noel, The Meakem*Smith Director of Athletics and Physical Education, has announced that Liz Dennison will transition into the role of Associate Director of Rowing, while former Canadian Olympic national team member Barney Williams will be tabbed as the interim head coach of the Cornell women's rowing program.

"This newly created position will be an exciting challenge," said Dennison. "I am looking forward to the opportunity to engage in strategic planning and provide support for all of Cornell Rowing in this different role. My goal is to help position each of the three teams for continued and future success in the years to come. I am thankful to be able to continue my support of the Cornell women's program, as well as heavyweight and lightweight men's teams, in this new role."

Dennison, who has invested eight years with the Big Red, including the past three as the Staley Head Coach of Women's Rowing, will begin her new duties effective immediately. The 2011 EAWRC Co-Assistant Coach of the Year, her new role will entail the supervision of the interim head women's coach and the Boatman, coordinating the training information among the rowing coaches on staff, establishing a budget and facilities strategy for Cornell Rowing, and more.

"I'd like to thank the administration and the amazing alumni support for affording me this opportunity to contribute to Cornell Rowing, the overall student-athlete experience, and athletic department as a whole in this position," said Dennison. "Working on this side of collegiate athletics has been a long term career goal of mine, and I am excited to take the next step at Cornell and be able to work for the amazing rowers and student-athletes from all sports that we have here."

Williams will serve as interim head coach, and comes to East Hill following a successful career as both an international rower and a Canadian national team coach. This past summer, he worked as the U23 Program Coach with Rowing Canada's men's heavyweight program. He also spent five years as the Lead Coach in Victoria for Rowing Canada's Row to Podium Program, helping numerous boats to medal at various national and international events.

"We are thrilled welcome Barney to the staff this year," said Dennison. "He brings a wealth of knowledge with his own personal success as an Olympic medalist for Canada as well as his recent coaching successes on the national and international scene. Barney, along with assistant coaches Steph and Paula, will be well-positioned to help to guide the team success this year!"

Prior to his time with Row to Podium. Williams spent three years as the freshmen rowing coach at the University of Victoria in British Columbia and was responsible for recruiting and coaching the novice men's boats. Under his direction, the program produced one member of the fourth place coxless pair at the 2010 National Rowing Championships and three members of the 2010 UVIC Canadian University Championship team.

As a rower, Williams enjoyed a successful 10-year career with the Canadian national team, which included an Olympic silver medal in the men's four at the 2004 Athens Olympics and world championship in the same event in 2003.

"I would like to thank the Cornell University Athletic Department for this incredible opportunity to share my passion for rowing with the coaches and athletes of the entire Cornell crew," said Williams. "I look forward to building on the foundations that have been laid by Liz and her team over the past couple years. This is an exciting challenge and I am committed to helping every student athlete realize their goals on and off the water."