Northlands Announces Two New Vice President Appointments
Monday, December 12, 2011
EDMONTON, AB
Northlands President and CEO Richard L. Andersen, CFE announced today the organization has filled two key Vice President roles in supporting its Edmonton based event and entertainment business. Kathy Kramer will join Northlands as Vice President of Business Operations and Cathy Kiss has been promoted to Vice President of Communications and Government Relations.
“We are thrilled to have both Kathy Kramer and Cathy Kiss become core members of our Executive Management team. Their in-depth experience, well established relationships and “best in class” reputations make both the ideal additions to leverage the capabilities of the strong and experienced Executive Management Team we already have in place and helping to lead Northlands into the future” said Andersen.
For the past six years, Kathy Kramer, CFE, CMP, served as the Deputy Director for the Phoenix Convention Center & Venues in Phoenix, Arizona. In her role there, she was responsible for the sales, marketing, communication, event management and guest experience activities not only at the Phoenix Convention Center but also the Orpheum Theatre and Symphony Hall.
A 23 year veteran of the venue management industry, she also specializes in negotiating and securing contracts for major sporting and special events. In her role at the Phoenix Convention Centre, Kathy served as a core member of the executive management team overseeing the recent $600 million expansion project that tripled the size of this internationally acclaimed facility.
Cathy Kiss joined the Northlands team in May 2010, most recently serving as the organization’s Director of Government and Public Relations. Under her direction, Northlands has since implemented an enhanced Community Relations focus and incorporated a specialized management team. In 2011, this group provided oversight to the direct distribution of over $1 million to various Edmonton area not-for-profit organizations in cash and value. In her new role, Cathy will continue to oversee Northlands Community Relations, Media Relations, Public Relations and Government Relations.
In addition, Cathy will also become the organizations Senior Executive responsible for providing day-to-day support to Northlands renowned Volunteer Department. On this new assignment Andersen said, “With over 1700 active members, and three fulltime staff including the very capable Department Manager Fran Lucas, Northlands Volunteers are a critical and core component of our operating model.
Cathy’s experience and servant leader philosophy, plus the ability to now have a more direct connection to the Community Relations functions, makes this an exciting and highly positive fit for all concerned.”
Prior to her tenure with Northlands, Ms. Kiss spent 20 years working in the Provincial Government. She worked for five different cabinet ministers as well as Premier Ralph Klein. During her time in the Alberta Legislature Ms. Kiss worked with ten different Ministries and two different agencies, Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission and Horse Racing Alberta.
Two current Vice Presidents are assuming additional responsibilities as part of this organizational restructuring. Trish Macdonald, Vice President of Venues and Business Development, joined Northlands six years ago and will now include Signature Events as part of her responsibilities. Ms. Macdonald will be working with Jason Douziech, Director, Signature Events to lead the charge to further enhance the brand and growth of Northlands Signature Events. These include Capital EX, Canadian Finals Rodeo, Farmfair and the Farm and Ranch Show. In addition, she will continue to manage all three of Northlands venues and lead the Business Development team.
Sharilee Fossum joined Northlands as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in April 2011. Since that time, she has provided oversight for Northlands Finance and Accounting activities, Information Technology and Legal department operations. As part of the changes, Sharilee will now oversee and support the Human Resources department, led by Lorraine Moster, Director Human Resources.
Northlands long time Vice President, Opal Blackstock announced her retirement earlier this month. A 31 year member of the Northlands team, Ms. Blackstock’s last day will be December 31, 2011.
Northlands is a community service organization with 133 years of agricultural history in Edmonton. As proven industry leaders, Northlands continues to create tomorrow’s memories everyday. Our dedication to Edmonton and Northern Region continues with over $1 million dollars in cash and value donated in 2011 alone.
