Forge FC announced Wednesday that the club has promoted Nicole Demers to Vice President of Business Operations.

“Nicole is the clear choice to lead Forge FC’s Business Operations team forward in our perpetual pursuit of excellence off the pitch that mirrors our success on the pitch through 4 seasons” said Matt Afinec, President & COO, Hamilton Sports Group. “She has impressed from the time she started in ticket sales 16 years ago and has proven herself as a results-oriented, innovative and empowering leader in every role she has held within our organization. Nicole’s dedication to Forge FC’s supporters, fans, corporate and community partners, is unmatched and we are supremely confident she will thrive in this newly created and important role within our organization”.

Demers began her tenure with Hamilton Sports Group as an Account Service Representative in 2008. As a part of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats organization through 2022, Demers played a leading role in various key initiatives — including managing the transition from the organization’s former home, Ivor Wynne Stadium, through the opening of Tim Hortons Field and building and executing the ticketing plan for the 108th Grey Cup— while always maintaining her focus on diversifying and growing the fanbase to enhance the CFL’s ultimate live fan experience at Tim Hortons Field.

She has made a tremendous contribution to the growth and success of Forge FC since taking on the role of the club’s Associate Vice President of Business Operations last year, which can be seen through the double-digit growth in season memberships, the multi-faceted programs that have been developed with youth soccer teams in Hamilton and neighbouring communities and the creation of events such as the Spark Summit which aims to connect professional women in sports business.

“I am excited and honoured to take on this new role with Forge FC and thank Hamilton Sports Group’s ownership and executive leadership for the opportunity,” said Demers. “I look forward to building on the tremendous success of the club, both on and off the pitch, and further contributing to the growth of our brand in the Hamilton and surrounding communities. I remain fully committed to providing Forge fans and partners with the best live soccer experience around.”