UNB Alumni
Telling our #ProudlyUNB stories

Our young alumni have transformed their UNB degrees into careers and adventures around the world. Whether their offices are at a desk, on stage, in the outdoors or always on the move, we love taking a glimpse into their daily lives. As Director of Corporate Partnerships at Canadian Hockey League, young alumnus Kyle Ferguson (BBA’09) tells us about his career in the sports and entertainment industry, and his experiences with UNB as a volunteer with the U35 Young Alumni Network in Toronto.  

Q: What does an average day look like as Director of Corporate Partnerships at Canadian Hockey League? There is no average day in the sports and entertainment, industry which makes your day-to-day interesting. As Director of Corporate Partnerships, I am primarily responsible for managing the relationship and marketing activations for the CHL’s Corporate Partners and overseeing our Corporate Partnership team. My core duty is to lead an integrated team to fulfill all aspects of our partners’ sponsorship portfolios. Overall, it is our responsibility to provide superior client service to help partners generate powerful marketing programs at a local, regional and national level. Our focus on delivering value to all stakeholders, including our partners, our partner's clients, hockey fans, community members and most importantly our players, allows us to continue building strong partnerships and great community connections.

Q: Describe a day on the job that has stood out as particularly interesting or exciting. Most recently, I had travelled throughout Canada for the CIBC Canada Russia Series. The CIBC Canada Russia Series is a showcase of our league’s best players and the stars who will proudly take the ice over the holidays as members of Canada’s National Junior team in pursuit of gold at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship. The first stop of the series was held in Saint John, NB and it was extra special to me for my first National event, in my new role, to be held in my hometown. 

Q: What is one thing you couldn’t live without in your office? I have a framed photo of the 2011 Memorial Cup champions, the Saint John Sea Dogs, hanging high in my office. This is a reminder of where it all began for me with my career starting with the Sea Dogs in Saint John almost 10 years ago. Secondly, a motivational poster on my wall related to my industry which reads “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

Q: How has your UNB experience played a role in your career? My time as a student at UNB was very instrumental in helping shape my future. I pursued a degree in business with a major in human resource management, minor in French communications & culture, and a concentration in marketing – all of which are critical skills that I apply to my day-to-day. I was proud to finish my university career representing students on the Students’ Representative Council as Vice-President External, as well as a Student Senator on the University Senate. Both of these roles provided me with unique experiences and  leadership skills that I use still to this day. 

Q: What influenced you to move to Toronto from Saint John? Home will always be home, but I followed my passion of working in sport. That passion took me from the Saint John Sea Dogs to Ottawa to work with the Ottawa Senators, until I made the shift back to the Canadian Hockey League in Toronto a few years ago. I take pride in focusing on the betterment of others and being in a position of leadership to my team is a pure win for me! 

Q: What have you enjoyed most about the U35 Young Alumni Network in Toronto? When I first moved to Toronto, I remember a boat cruise event that UNB had partnered on with other Atlantic universities. This was a fantastic way to meet other alumni, run in to old friends and make new connections. I am happy to remain involved with the U35 Young Alumni Network and volunteer among a small group of alumni to continue best efforts of outreach to those alumni living in the GTA. I’ve got a few more years left and I plan on making the best of it!    

Q: Outside of work, what are two things people would most likely find you doing? In my spare time, I am definitely a concert-goer! With multiple venues available in the city, there are many options throughout the run of a year. I thoroughly enjoy attending concerts throughout the summer months at Budweiser Stage on the Lakeshore. Secondly, I love to travel, so you might not actually find me. I am looking forward to my next adventure to Central America this upcoming February.