Fredericton Convention Centre Board Announces Retirement of General Manager Cathy Pugh

Fredericton, NB (April 3, 2024) After 16 years at the helm of the Fredericton Convention Centre, General Manager Cathy Pugh is set to retire effective June 2024. Pugh’s leadership of the Fredericton Convention Centre began in 2008 when she developed and executed marketing strategies to increase new event demand to the City of Fredericton. In 2010, she was appointed General Manager and has since guided the successful evolution of the centre from pre-opening to its current day as a respected, professional, and competitive convention centre.

“Cathy has been an important leader Fredericton’s tourism industry for many years, and we will miss her. As the first General Manager of the FCC, she’s guided our convention centre to be a top performer in Atlantic Canada and her leadership has been recognized nationwide. Cathy has had a remarkable career and brought tremendous value to our community,” said David Seabrook, Chair of the Fredericton Convention Centre’s Board of Directors.

Since opening in January 2011, the FCC has generated more than 100 million dollars in economic impact for Fredericton, by attracting national conventions to the capital city, and providing a venue for local programs to increase capacity.

“Cathy’s commitment to strategic planning and financial prudence have been instrumental to the success of the Centre. Her leadership has not only elevated FCC as New Brunswick’s premier meeting destination but also enriched the region through economic impact. We express our deepest gratitude to Cathy for her contributions and wish her a fulfilling retirement."

Pugh’s leadership has shaped the visitor economy both locally and nationally. Pugh serves as a board member for the Fredericton International Airport Authority and the Convention Centres of Canada.

 

“It has been a pleasure and honour to promote Fredericton and the centre, and to welcome delegates from around the world. I have been very fortunate to work with an exceptional team of professionals and a dedicated Board of Directors,” said Pugh.

 

Current Director of Sales, Erin Blanchard, has been named Pugh’s successor.