Community Futures Howe Sound Welcomes Kate Mulligan as Executive Director

New leadership steps in as the Sea-to-Sky's small business economy diversifies and grows.

SQUAMISH, BC — Community Futures Howe Sound (CFHS) has appointed Kate Mulligan as its new Executive Director, bringing more than two decades of economic development leadership to one of British Columbia's fastest-evolving regional economies. 

The Sea-to-Sky corridor — stretching from Lions Bay to Birken and encompassing Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton — is home to a strong network of small and medium-sized businesses spanning a wide range of sectors. As the corridor's population grows and its economy diversifies, the demand for accessible capital, trusted advice, and long-horizon business support continues to climb. CFHS sits at the centre of that work. 

In her role as Executive Director, Kate works in partnership with the CFHS Board of Directors to shape the organization's strategic direction, lead its relationships with funders and regional partners, and steward the loan fund and advisory programs that small businesses across the corridor depend on. 

"The Sea-to-Sky is one of the most dynamic small business regions in British Columbia, and the entrepreneurs building here deserve a partner that matches their ambition with capital, advice, and a long-term view," said Kate. "CFHS has been doing that work for decades, and I'm honoured to step into this role at a moment when the corridor's economy is evolving so quickly. I'm looking forward to working with the board, our team, and our partners in serving clients throughout the region." 

Kate brings extensive economic development experience to the role, most recently serving as Director of Major Projects – Industrial and previously as Economic Development Officer with the District of Squamish. Earlier in her career, she held senior positions at Destination Canada, Canada's national tourism marketing Crown corporation. She continues to operate Pattern Strategy Group, an economic development consultancy she founded, is PMP-certified, and currently sits on the board of SquamishCAN. 

"On behalf of the Board, we're excited to welcome Kate into the Executive Director role. Her vast experience, knowledge, and contacts in the Sea to Sky made her the obvious choice, and we can't wait to see how she guides Community Futures Howe Sound into the future as we continue to support a thriving business community in the region."  

Kate's arrival coincides with the recent addition of Melanie Levenberg to the team as Business Development Manager. Melanie is the founder and CEO of PL3Y Inc., a children's physical literacy company whose programs have reached 4.1 million children across 18 countries. Melanie also brings deep experience scaling mission-driven businesses to her advisory work with corridor entrepreneurs. 

A mandate built for regional businesses 

As one of 34 Community Futures offices in British Columbia, CFHS is part of a national network dedicated to strengthening rural and small-community economies. Its mandate is straightforward: help Sea-to-Sky entrepreneurs start, grow, and sustain their businesses — and, in doing so, contribute to a more resilient regional economy. 

That work takes a few forms. CFHS offers character-based lending for entrepreneurs who may not fit conventional bank criteria but have the vision, skills, and commitment to build a successful business. It provides free, confidential, one-on-one business advisory services. And it delivers targeted support for entrepreneurs whose path to business ownership is shaped by additional barriers — including Indigenous entrepreneurs, women, youth, and persons with disabilities through the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program. Whether someone is opening their first storefront in Squamish, scaling a tourism operation in Whistler, launching a food business in Pemberton, or building a service company anywhere in between, CFHS is built to help. 

About Community Futures Howe Sound 

Community Futures Howe Sound is a not-for-profit, federally funded by Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), serving the Sea-to-Sky corridor from Lions Bay to Birken. Last year, CFHS delivered more than 1,400 business advisory sessions, and over the past six years has lent more than $7 million to local businesses, supporting more than 300 jobs across the region. Learn more at cfhowesound.com.