As preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ continue, the New York New Jersey Host Committee highlights the leadership of Bettina Garibaldi, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, and Christie Huus, Chief Events Officer.
Since stepping into their roles, Garibaldi and Huus have been instrumental in shaping the region’s plans for eight FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches, including the Final on July 19, 2026. They are also spearheading a comprehensive fan and community engagement program in the sixteen months leading up to and throughout the tournament, which is set to be the largest sporting event in history.
“Bettina and Christie have already made a tremendous impact, bringing their unique expertise and vision to this historic effort,” said Tammy Murphy, Chair of the Host Committee’s Board of Directors. “Their leadership is key to ensuring an unforgettable experience for fans and communities across our region.”
As Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, Garibaldi leads the marketing, branding, and communication strategies to enhance visibility, reputation, and growth for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee. She plays a key role in shaping the region’s fan and community engagement efforts, ensuring the tournament’s excitement resonates with fans and communities alike.
Garibaldi brings over 20 years of experience in public relations and integrated marketing, having previously served as Executive Vice President and Managing Director at Ketchum, where she led the agency’s Travel, Hospitality & Leisure practice. She has worked on previous FIFA World Cups, helping global brands maximize their impact on the world’s biggest stage.
Throughout her career, she has developed integrated campaigns for P&G, Frito-Lay, Unilever, Pfizer, and other leading organizations, driving high-impact storytelling and consumer engagement. With a diplomatic upbringing that shaped her global perspective, Garibaldi is originally from Argentina —home of the FIFA World Cup’s defending champions — and holds a Master’s in Corporate Communications from New York University.
“I’m honored to be an advocate for a region — and sport — that means so much to me,” Garibaldi said. “We’re creating initiatives that will have both an immediate and lasting impact — not just for fans, but for the entire region. This tournament is a global moment, and collaborating with brands that recognize its significance allows us to build something truly meaningful. With my diplomatic upbringing and international background, I’m passionate about bringing people together across cultures to maximize the World Cup’s reach and legacy.”
As Chief Events Officer, Huus will lead the Host Committee’s regional activations, which will include legacy-focused community engagement efforts and oversight of the trademark FIFA Fan Festival (™), as well as fan activities across the region during the tournament in 2026.
Huus most recently served as Executive Vice President for Public Affairs at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, where she focused on large-scale events and the impact they have on communities and the economy. A native New Yorker, she previously worked at The National September 11 Memorial & Museum leading the annual Commemoration Ceremony, and prior to that, Huus worked in the New York City Mayor’s Office of Citywide Event Coordination and Management during the Bloomberg administration. In addition to her professional career, she is currently the Chair of the South Street Seaport Museum in lower Manhattan and serves on the board of trustees for the Maplewood Foundation in New Jersey.
“There’s nothing more powerful than bringing people together, and the FIFA World Cup will ignite our region with energy and excitement,” Huus said. “During the 39-day tournament, we are transforming New York New Jersey into one big block party celebrating community, diversity and all our region has to offer – and the whole world is invited!”
About the Committee
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee is the local organizing body responsible for delivering eight FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches in the NYNJ region, including the Final match. The organization coordinates between key city and state stakeholders and FIFA to ensure world-class planning and delivery of infrastructure, facilities, and services. The committee’s goal is to create the most engaging, accessible, and impactful FIFA World Cup 2026™ experience for all fans, athletes, partners, and NYNJ communities.