TORONTO - Michele O'Keefe says the biggest challenge in her new role with Canada Basketball is ensuring the ship stays on course.

O'Keefe was named the organization's president and CEO on Tuesday. She stressed it's important people realize the development of the country's talented youngsters didn't happen overnight.

"Basketball has some great momentum right now," O'Keefe said in a phone interview. "I think our biggest challenge is to make sure everyone understands it's not a fluke ... it's a systematic and planned development system we are going through right now and to prove to everyone it's sustainable."

The native of Welland, Ont., has worked off and on at Canada Basketball since 1994, holding the position of executive director the last three years. She'll be tasked with capitalizing on the sport's increased popularity.

O'Keefe said she's taking over a program that turned a corner under outgoing president and CEO Wayne Parrish, especially with regards to funding.

"(He) was instrumental in stabilizing the finances at Canada Basketball and I think my challenge is to make sure we maintain our stability and grow our budget," said O'Keefe. "Once we're able to grow the budget, then we know for sure that our senior teams will be competing for podiums every year and that we'll be able to have some great grassroots development programs."

Her first goal on the court is to get the men's and women's teams qualified for the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

"The women's team finished eighth at the London Olympics and fifth at the world championships last year in Istanbul. We're aiming high on the women's side," she said. "The men's side, we know we still have some miles to gain ... but we have great expectations. We're going to plan to be on the podium by the 2020 Olympics."

Apart from her excitement regarding the new job, O'Keefe also noted having a woman atop an organization like Canada Basketball could have an impact down the road.

"It allows girls to dream and to think bigger," said O'Keefe. "One of the best comments I've gotten is from my 18-year-old niece, who said that I'm her role model.

"To have a young, impressionable female think that she could be a leader in something someday I think is very powerful."