CMLC Senior Vice President To Join Calgary's Olympic Bid Committee
Susan Veres, SVP Strategy & Business Development, to take short term leave to assist Calgary 2026 Bid Corporation
Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC)—lead developer behind the re-envisioning and revitalization of downtown Calgary’s east end—is thrilled to announce that one of its own has been recruited by the 2026 Olympic Bid Corporation (“Calgary 2026” or “Bidco”) to help bring the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games back to Calgary.
“Susan has been a key member of the CMLC team since the early days,” says Michael Brown, President & CEO, Calgary Municipal Land Corporation. “She joined our company as VP Marketing & Communications in 2009. Together with her team, she successfully rebranded Calgary’s East Village, transforming the neighbourhood’s image from one of the city’s most downtrodden areas to one of its most sought-after places to live and work. Now, as Senior VP Strategy & Business Development, Susan plays key roles both in stewarding current CMLC developer projects and in evaluating and securing future opportunities that fit with the organization’s mandate and capabilities.
“She’s an invaluable asset to CMLC, so it’s with mixed emotions that I have consented readily to grant Susan a leave of absence from her role and responsibilities at CMLC to join Calgary 2026 to try to bring the Olympics back to our city!”
Susan’s absence from CMLC will span from September 1 to the end of December 2018. During that time, she will lead the marketing and communications functions of Calgary 2026, which will include the delivery of a strategic public engagement program.
“As much as I love to think that I’ll be missed at CMLC,” says Susan, I’m incredibly comfortable taking this leave based on the strength of the CMLC team and the success with which they’ve shepherded every project we have undertaken against the delivery of the East Village vision.”
“After so many successful public engagement efforts with the East Village project, I feel very well prepared for the work ahead —understanding, of course, that it will require a very strategic approach that the Calgary 2026 Board, City of Calgary and business community can support and is designed to reach every Calgarian.”
Susan adds, “I’m thrilled with this opportunity to work alongside Mary to deliver a bid effort that Calgarians can support. And I’m grateful to Michael Brown, the CMLC Board and our management team, without whose support this wouldn’t be possible.”
Susan spent a former chapter of her career in sport. Beyond serving as a member of the bid committee for the 2001 World Track & Field Championships in Edmonton, she has previously activated consumer marketing programs with the Coca-Cola Corporation for both the 2002 & 2004 Winter Olympics; worked with the CFL on the 1997 Grey Cup, was a media relations volunteer for the 1999 Pan Am Games in Winnipeg, and worked to reposition Calgary Olympic Development Association (CODA) to WINSPORT.
In her absence, land and developer files will be stewarded by CEO Michael Brown, while Marketing and Communications efforts will be led by Clare LePan.