SAANICH, BC January 4, 2013 – The Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Chris Fudge as its new Executive Director. Chris brings 16 years of progressive management experience to the position, including working in key account management and market development, event project management and communications strategy and planning.
Previously, he served as Senior Manager of Member and Visitor Services for Tourism Whistler, a member-based marketing and sales organization. In this role, he was responsible for all member communications and engagement, along with the development and implementation of programs and services to increase alignment and support among members. He also served as a member of the resort’s Transportation Advisory Group and the Measuring Up Select Committee of Council, an advisory body that works to address accessibility issues and find corresponding solutions.
Prior to Tourism Whistler, Fudge spent three years with the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. In his role as Regional Manager, Accommodation, he was directly involved in the strategic planning, detailed operational planning and Games readiness phases of the Organizing Committee. He successfully negotiated and contracted over 1500 lodging units for international media and other accredited officials in the Sea to Sky corridor.
“It was important for us to find an engaging Executive Director who understood our diverse region on thePeninsula, the unique needs of our membership, and the proven experience to lead our Chamber for many years ahead. We believe strongly in Chris and his ability to do so”, said Mark deMedeiros, President of the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.
From 1998 to 2004, Fudge was the International Sales Manager representing Whistler Blackcomb, consistently rated as the top ski resort inNorth America. He was instrumental in cultivating relationships with key travel partners around the world, and in developing new international markets for the resort. In 2004, he was selected to join the parent company, Intrawest, to support an integrated sales and marketing effort for the company’s network of resorts throughout North America andEurope.
Born inOttawa, Fudge has spent the last 16 years inBritish Columbia, and recently relocated toVancouver Islandfrom Squamish. He is married with two children and is an avid downhill skier and mountain biker. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Science fromCarletonUniversity, and recently received his IAP2 Certificate in Public Participation.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to join the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, and look forward to providing our Members with new and innovative resources to successfully navigate the current business environment”, Fudge said.
“Members can expect to see a highly functioning organization working on their behalf, and I invite anyone looking for new opportunities for their business to join us.”
