Old Strathcona business association says farewell to its executive director

An aerial image of the downtown Edmonton skyline taken on Aug. 20, 2025, over Old Strathcona. (Cam Wiebe / CTV News Edmonton)

The Old Strathcona Business Association (OSBA) announced the departure of its executive director, Cherie Klassen, on Wednesday.

Klassen stepped down on the same day that the announcement was made, after eight years leading OSBA. She first joined the organization in 2017.

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“Leading OSBA and the business community over the last several years has been incredibly rewarding and challenging,” Klassen said in a statement on Wednesday morning.

“I’m so incredibly proud of the work my team and I accomplished and Old Strathcona will always hold a special place in my heart.”

The OSBA highlighted several of Klassen’s accomplishments during her tenure, including expanding the team, navigating a global pandemic, spearheading initiatives like the “Winter Whyte Light Up,” and securing more than $700,000 in grants and sponsorships for programs.