Hamagami leaves orchestra for hockey

The Prince George Cougars and the Prince George Symphony Orchestra (PGSO) both know the score when it comes to hiring talented people.

On Friday morning, the Cougars announced the hiring of Marnie Hamagami, the general manager of the PGSO, as the team’s new director of sales and marketing.

Cougars vice president of business Andy Beesley said he didn’t see the move from music to sports as being a big stretch.

Marnie Hamagami, centre, was saying “Hello” to Andy Beesley of the Prince George Cougars and “Goodbye” to Teresa Saunders of the Prince George Symphony Orchestra on Friday. Hamagami is leaving her position as general manager of the PGSO to become the director of sales and marketing for the Cougars. Allan WISHART/Free Press

“Both groups are performance-based. We know you’re only as good as your last game or concert.

“We’re both contributors to the fabric of the community in Prince George.”

Hamagami said she was very excited to join the Cougars.

“I’m thrilled to be part of another group with a strong interest in community engagement. The Cougars have an excellent opportunity to take the organization to new heights. There’s a fantastic appetite in the community for the team.”

She said the Cougars, who also announced Friday they would be the sponsor for the PGSO’s Pops in the Park concert in September, are not alone in crossing entertainment boundaries.

“A number of other teams in the WHL have partnerships with the symphony in their city. Both of the groups are structured in a similar way. The individual players have to work with each other.”

PGSO board president Teresa Saunders said that while the group was sorry to see Hamagami leave, they were moving forward, with the hiring of Jeremy Stewart as the new general manager.

Stewart, who had been the marketing and development officer at Theatre North West, views the PGSO move as an exciting opportunity.

“I feel I’m stepping into an encouraging picture with the PGSO. Marnie has done an incredible job of preparing things for me.

“The organization is on a very strong footing.”