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HOPA Ports Announces the Appointment of Cathie Puckering to its Board of Directors (Municipal Appointment)

HOPA Ports is pleased to announce the appointment of Cathie Puckering as the Municipal Appointment to its Board of Directors, following a collaborative process between the municipalities of Hamilton and Oshawa. Cathie brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the organization, with a career that spans more than four decades across aviation, transportation, and community engagement.

Cathie currently serves as Vice President of Government and Airline Affairs for Vantage Group, a role she assumed in 2025 during her semi-retirement. Prior to this, she led the Canadian Network for Vantage Group as Vice President and Head, following a 23-year tenure with TradePort International Corporation.

At TradePort, she advanced through progressively senior roles, culminating in her appointment as President and CEO of Hamilton International Airport in 2018. Under her leadership, the airport achieved significant growth and operational excellence, reinforcing Cathie’s reputation as a strategic and visionary leader in the Canadian aviation sector.

Before entering aviation, Cathie spent 18 years with CARSTAR Automotive Canada, serving in key leadership positions, including Controller and Chief Information Officer. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from Laurentian University and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CGA).

Cathie was appointed Honorary Colonel of the 436 Transport Squadron at 8 Wing Trenton in 2019, a role she held until 2024. Today, she continues to support Canada’s military as an active member of the Royal Canadian Air Force Foundation Advisory Council. She also serves on the Innovation Factory Board, and is involved with community organizations including Liberty for Youth, CityKidz, United Way, Elevate Aviation, and others.

“Cathie’s deep understanding of transportation and financial management, combined with her commitment to community and innovation, will be an incredible asset to HOPA’s Board,” said Anne Waldes, Chair of the Board of Directors, HOPA Ports. “Her leadership experience and strategic insight will help guide HOPA as it continues to grow and strengthen its role in Ontario’s economy.”

Renee Bulger, CPA, CGA

Vice President, Finance

Renee assumed the role of Vice President, Finance after having served as Director of Finance since 2023.

Renee joined the Hamilton Port Authority in 2006 as a General Accountant and was promoted to Controller in 2018. She was previously a member of the Board of Directors for the Hamilton Conservation Foundation from 2017 to 2020.

Renee received her Honours Bachelor of Commerce from Laurentian University and is a Chartered Professional Accountant.

Larissa Fenn

Vice President, Corporate Affairs

Larissa Fenn is Vice President, Corporate Affairs at HOPA Ports, leading a team responsible for communications and government relations, sustainability reporting, corporate governance and corporate culture.

Previous positions included communications and public policy roles at the Canadian Bankers Association, Credit Valley Conservation Authority, and the Regional Municipality of Halton.

Larissa holds a B.A.(Hons) in Political Science from Queen’s University. She holds the APR designation from the Canadian Public Relations Society, and completed the Senior Public Sector Leaders program at the University of Western Ontario, Ivey School of Business. Larissa has served as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the Royal Botanical Gardens, and as a member of the Policy Council of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.

Bill Fitzgerald

Vice President, Strategic Development

Bill assumed the role of Vice President, Strategic Development in 2024, after having served as HOPA’s Vice President, Operations since 2008.

Bill joined the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority in July 1995 as Project Engineer. He previously worked with the Regional Municipality of Ottawa’s Transportation Department, as well as for the Toronto Transit Commission and the City of Waterloo.

Bill received a Bachelor of Applied Science, civil engineering / water resources, in 1995 from the University of Waterloo and registered with the Professional Engineers of Ontario in 1997.

Jeremy Dunn

Vice President, Operations

Jeremy assumed the role of Vice President, Operations in 2024 after having served as HOPA’s Commercial Vice President since 2019. Prior to joining HOPA, Jeremy served in successive leadership roles at The Miller Group, one of Canada’s leading transportation construction and infrastructure maintenance companies. Jeremy has managed multiple business groups in the heavy construction, asphalt paving and aggregates sectors driving results through business restructuring, service improvement and strategic growth. In his most recent role, Jeremy served as General Manager of Miller Maintenance, responsible for managing and growing Miller’s highway maintenance business in Ontario.

Previous to The Miller Group, Jeremy held the position of Director of Operations for the Dunn Group of Companies.

Jeremy earned his Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) through Queen’s University. He also holds a Master’s Certificate in Project Management.

Ian Hamilton

President & CEO

Ian Hamilton is President & CEO of HOPA Ports (Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority). He assumed this role in 2017, after serving as the Port Authority’s Vice President of Business Development and Real Estate since 2008. Ian has been instrumental in developing working waterfronts in Hamilton, Oshawa, and Niagara by attracting new business and private investment, and creating an integrated marine network across Southern Ontario.

Ian possesses more than 25 years of experience in international transportation and logistics in Europe and North America, and has held progressively senior positions in the liner shipping industry, including Transatlantic Trade Director (Europe) for CP Ships and Business Development Manager for Hapag-Lloyd. Ian is Chairperson of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities, and holds positions on various other boards, including: the Chamber of Marine Commerce, the Hamilton Club, and Brigs Youth Sail Training.

Ian holds an MBA from Aston University (UK) and a BSc in business administration and economics from the College of Charleston, South Carolina.