Peta Fussell

A graduate of the Australian National University with bachelor degrees in economics and Asian studies, Peta joined the Australian federal public service in Canberra, Australia, first at the Office of National Assessments as an economic analyst, then moving on to the Australian Agency for International Development. Two years after arriving in Fredericton, Peta started working as a senior communications officer with ACOA.

That was 12 years ago. Today Peta manages a team that delivers programming in a wide range of areas, including the green economy, forestry and digital skills. She was also part of the team that designed the Regional Air Transportation Initiative to assist airports in the region impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“ACOA invests in companies to help them with productivity, to find better ways of doing things through innovation or technology adoption, expand operations, develop new products and access new export markets,” notes Peta. 

“We are the ears and eyes on the ground,” she adds, “and we serve to provide context and help everyone understand our regional reality and ensure national programs are designed for maximum positive economic impact in our region.”

That impact goes beyond the business sector, Peta points out. “ACOA helps communities identify their assets and strengths, and provides investments and advice to help them make the most of what they have to offer to residents and visitors alike.”