Reed, a vice-president of the national governing body since 2012, was elected at the 2017 annual meeting of the members.

He steps in for Montagliani, who had to relinquish his position following his election as the head of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) last year.

Reed will serve the remaining three years of Montagliani's four-year term.

"I would like to thank the Canada Soccer membership for the opportunity as we continue the incredible momentum for the sport of soccer in our country," said Reed.

"I look forward to serving the membership and building on the legacy of Victor Montagliani’s leadership of the past five years."

The CONCACAF President, a FIFA vice-president and member of the ruling Council, singled out Canada hosting the 2015 Women's World Cup as the high point of his tenure.

"The highlight of my time as President was, of course, the opportunity to host the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015," said Montagliani. 

"It was a watershed moment for Canadian soccer. 

"The record crowds that flocked to those matches were a clear demonstration of the way the culture of soccer in our country has changed."

Reed, a Canada Soccer board member since 2006, attended Thursday's (May 11) FIFA Congress and also took part in a joint press conference with Montagliani, US Soccer President Sunil Gulati and Mexican Football Federation counterpart Decio de María regarding their joint bid for the 2026 World Cup.

Their proposal to to fast-track their bid was rejected by the FIFA Council, who instead gave other interested nations a further three months to submit their intention to enter the race.

The expedited process for the 2026 event will see the host nation decided at next year's FIFA Congress on June 13 in Moscow, held prior to the opening match of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Countries from the member associations of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) and the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) have been invited to bid before the August 11 deadline.

As part of current World Cup rotation rules, UEFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) are not eligible as Russia and Qatar are hosting the 2018 and 2022 editions respectively.

However, they will be granted the opportunity to launch an attempt to stage the competition if any of the candidates for 2026 fail to meet FIFA's requirements.

Morocco are the only other mooted potential bidder for 2026, but may reconsider in the face of competition from North America.