New FUSION leader will reach out to community

Claire Ryan’s latest FUSION Saint John article appeared in today’s Telegraph-Journal:

Peterson, a developer and analyst at T4G Limited, was born and raised in the city, and since making the decision to live and work here, has become dedicated to improving the quality of life and level of community engagement in Greater Saint John. He has been involved with FUSION for the past four years, previously serving as chairman of the community engagement and government relations committee. In the year ahead, Peterson plans to make outreach and improved lines of communications top priorities.

“Over the coming year, I’d like to see FUSION improve the way we communicate with Saint Johners, and the organizations and group with whom we collaborate with on different activities and initiatives,” Peterson said. FUSION stands to gain from identifying ways to improve the lines of communications with members. “We’re always looking for feedback on what’s not working, and what’s working well. Moving forward, we will continue to look to our members for new ways to engage others, and make sure everyone has an opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas.”

FUSION also welcomed Shilo Boucher, Jessica Gozdzierski, Alexander Pesold, Thomas Roberts and Lenny Qian to the board of directors. Each brings a wealth of ideas and experience that will serve FUSION, and Greater Saint John, over the coming year.

“Fusion is an organization that is constantly evolving,” Peterson said. “The committees are always working on new ideas and identifying new opportunities, based on member input. I’m really excited about having so many new faces around the board table and the fresh perspective our new directors will bring to the committees, and to FUSION as a whole.”

Next up for the FUSION board will be a strategic planning session, during which the board will identify its priorities for the coming year and address areas for growth.

“FUSION is presented with a unique challenge – trying to connect people with their community,” Peterson. said. “I think by helping people feel at home in Saint John, whether they grew up here or they have only recently arrived, we are making a valuable contribution to the city.”

To achieve this end, Peterson also hopes to create closer ties with the student bodies at both UNBSJ and NBCC-Saint John, leveraging the existing relationship between FUSION and local students.

For more information on FUSION’s board of directors, committees or opportunities to be involved, please visit us online at www.fusionsj.com.

Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca.