16 October 2023 – For Immediate Release
FREDERICTON, NB – FREDERICTON, NB – Fredericton Chamber of Commerce CEO Krista Ross has announced her retirement from the organization, effective 31 December 2023. Ross has served in that role since 2011 after a previous stint as the chamber’s General Manager from 1989 to 1997 – for a total of 20 years of service. From 1997 to 2011 she co-owned and operated a successful local business in the city.
“Krista’s positive impact on our chamber of commerce and our business community are beyond measure,” said Michael Melvin, Fredericton Chamber of Commerce board of directors president. “Her retirement will certainly be felt within our organization, she is more than deserving of her pending retirement and I have great confidence that she will continue to be a community leader.”
Last week, she was named to the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada’s (“CCEC”) Council of Excellence – only the 35th chamber of commerce executive to receive the honour in the organization’s 57-year history.
In 2017, Ross was selected as CEO of the year by the CCEC and had previously received the award in 1995 during her stint as Fredericton chamber CEO. She also holds the designation of a Level 3 Accredited Chamber Executive – the highest level possible. Most recently, she was named a Top 50 CEO by Atlantic Business Magazine in 2020 and in 2022 received an NBCC Alumni Recognition Award for Business Leadership – given to individuals who have made their mark by applying their talents towards building or leading a successful business. She also received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022.
“Krista has received many accolades over the years, which not only recognized her great work but has helped to put our chamber and community on the national stage,” added Melvin. “While her resume is impressive, Krista’s greatest impact has been hyper-local – from personally making connections to create business opportunities to helping settle healthcare professionals to mentoring a generation of future leaders, her impact will be felt for many years to come.”
Under her leadership, revenue, and membership have increased to the largest in the Chamber’s history, first passing the 1,000-member threshold in 2019.
“Representing and advocating for our business community for 20 years has been a true honour and I am proud of what our team has been able to accomplish,” said Ross. “I have been so fortunate to work with extraordinary colleagues throughout my career and the high caliber board members that have led our organization and mentored me have been incredible leaders.”
Successor Named
The chamber has also announced that Morgan Peters, the chamber’s current Policy Manager will assume the role of CEO on Ross’ departure. Peters has served in that role since 2012.
“I am so pleased to be leaving the CEO role at our chamber in Morgan’s capable hands, we have worked closely together for 11 years and his passion for our business success and community prosperity is evident.” said Ross. “He understands the issues well and is connected to our membership, industry associations, government and other stakeholders and I expect that his transition to the CEO role will be seamless.”
Peters, a lawyer by profession, has been a policy and advocacy leader within the New Brunswick business community and throughout the chamber network nationally. He has worked with all three levels of government on priorities of chamber members and provided mentorship throughout the chamber network, particularly within Atlantic Canada. Morgan is an enthusiastic supporter of local businesses as the key to community development and also holds a Level 3 Accredited Chamber Executive designation.
“I am fortunate to follow in Krista’s footsteps and to be working with an experienced and high-caliber team at the chamber,” Peters said. “Taking on this leadership role with the support of colleagues that I respect and have worked with for many years will make this transition much easier. I am grateful for my time working with Krista – she has provided me with the tools and mentorship to succeed.”
-30-
The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, a nationally accredited organization with more than 1,000 members, is an active business organization engaged in policy development and advocacy that affects the competitiveness of our members and the Canadian business environment. The Chamber’s vision is ‘Stronger Community Through Business Prosperity’
Contact: Krista Ross, Fredericton Chamber of Commerce CEO – (506) 458-8006
Krista Ross
Morgan Peters
