Cohort: 2026

Braxton Hynes is the Economic Development Manager at Downtown Phoenix Inc., where she supports business attraction, retention and small business growth in the city’s urban core. Her work blends data driven strategy, hands on technical assistance and stakeholder engagement, including management of the Downtown Phoenix Digital Twin. She holds the Arizona Economic Development Professional (AZEDPro) certification and is passionate about translating complex information into practical tools that support vibrant, people centered places.

Shameka Conwell is a highly motivated leader and organizational problem-solver with over a decade of experience in strategic relationship building, event coordination and program management. With a proven track record of managing cross-functional teams, fostering donor relations and executing high-level events within both the academic and nonprofit sectors, she excels in creating impactful experiences. Shameka is passionate about connecting with people and fostering community development. Outside of her professional life she enjoys thrill-seeking adventures.

Jakey Dobbs is an urban place management professional dedicated to creating inclusive, connected communities. As Director of District Management for Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership, she leads strategy, partnerships and initiatives advancing the district. Previously, she served as a Learning Strategy Consultant supporting professional associations and academic programs. Jakey holds a Master of Education in Adult & Higher Education, is a Leadership OKC alum, volunteers for arts and youth organizations, and leads her initiative, OKC Picnic Social.

Laken Gudzak is the Director of Marketing & Communications at Downtown Vision, where she leads strategic marketing, digital content and public relations to position Downtown Jacksonville as a vibrant place to live, work, visit and invest. She oversees DVI’s digital ecosystem, major campaigns and marketing of signature events such as Art Walk and Sip & Stroll. A UNF graduate with a B.S. in Communication, Laken is passionate about storytelling, community-building and championing Downtown Jacksonville’s growth.

Austin Faison is the Economic Development Manager for The Magnificent Mile Association, where he manages SSA #76, supports the M‑Vision Committee and helps advance strategy for a future Business Improvement District while stewarding partnerships with property owners and public agencies. Previously, he served as ARPA Director in Somerville, MA and as Town Manager of Winthrop, MA, leading budget modernization and operational reforms. He holds an MPA from Northeastern University and a BA in Political Science from Bates College.

Rachel Fenwick graduated from Northumbria University with a First Class Honours degree in Law and a master’s degree. She worked for two years as a Graduate Ambassador for the University’s Marketing Team. In 2015, she joined Opportunity Peterborough, the city’s economic development company, before spending five years as a Marketing and Communications Manager in the wedding industry. Since December 2021, she has worked as Marketing and Events Manager at Newcastle NE1 and was later promoted to Head of Marketing and Events.

Lauren Hamilton, a Boise native, was appointed Executive Director of the Downtown Boise Association in February 2025, where she leads efforts to inspire visitors and locals to explore, connect and experience Boise’s vibrant culture. Her background includes event management and alumni relations work with Boise Centre, the University of Idaho and Boise State University. She currently serves on the board of Project Haiti. Outside of work, she enjoys planning her next adventure out of town.

Cate Irvin is the Senior Director of Economic Development at the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, where she leads storefront activation, small business support and data-driven economic strategy. She oversees the Downtown Rent Abatement Program, Project Pop-Up, the State of Downtown Pittsburgh reports and PDP’s real-time data dashboard. Her work focuses on transforming vacant spaces, catalyzing investment and advancing collaborative, community-centered approaches to revitalization. Cate is committed to building more resilient, people-focused urban places.

Ellouise Johnson is the Deputy Director of Public Space Operations at DowntownDC BID, a role she has proudly held since July 2019. She studied at the University of Colorado–Colorado Springs and previously worked with KPMG, the Department of Parks and Recreation and Covington & Burling LLP at CityCenterDC. Outside of work, she enjoys motorcycle riding, sailing, playing instruments, triathlon cycling and hands‑on building. She is passionate about supporting people and enhancing every space she serves with a lasting, indelible impact.

Diana Liu is the Director of Finance & Administration at City Ave District, overseeing finance, HR and data. She grew up in Kansas, left for the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, got her CPA, then spent over a decade as a nonprofit accountant in Philadelphia and D.C. But once she joined the BID world, she hasn’t thought about leaving since. She also enjoys spending time with her husband, three kids and two cats.

Rachel is a strategic placemaking leader who partners with city, district and community stakeholders to transform underutilized spaces into vibrant public destinations. In Reno, she has launched 15+ downtown events, redesigned plazas, and produced large-scale festivals—including a 75,000-attendee illuminated art event—shifting downtown’s narrative. Through creative programming, data-informed planning and strong cross-sector partnerships, Rachel brings together people, businesses and artists to drive foot traffic, strengthen local economies and sustain year-round vibrancy.

Rachel Mahon is the Marketing and Communications Manager for the Toronto Financial District BIA, where she leads initiatives that increase business visibility, attract customers and drive economic activity in Canada’s financial hub. She develops campaigns and activations that engage hundreds of street‑level and underground PATH businesses, encourage people to explore the district and strengthen relationships with major property stakeholders. Her work connects audiences to the local business community and supports a vibrant, accessible downtown ecosystem.

Anya Meave is a Project Manager for the Downtown San Diego Partnership’s Clean & Safe program. With a background in anthropology, she brings insight into community systems and urban environments. Her curiosity and expertise support placemaking projects that foster vibrant, inclusive spaces. Anya leverages data to tell compelling stories that guide decision-making and amplify impact. Her commitment to diversity and cultural identity strengthens her approach to building connected, resilient urban communities.

Amanda is an operations professional with the Downtown Denver Partnership. As Senior Manager, she oversees the foundational work of maintaining a clean, vibrant environment. She is passionate about incorporating sustainable practices into her team’s operations, using data to guide their work and building a green city. She holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Monitoring from the State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

Crystal Moore is a downtown‑focused leader with more than 20 years of experience in real estate, redevelopment and place management. As President and CEO of Downtown Tucson Partnership, she works closely with community partners to strengthen public safety, collaboration and sustainable funding. Her background spans private‑sector development and nonprofit district leadership, and she brings a practical, people‑centered approach to building vibrant, inclusive downtowns that support businesses, residents and visitors alike.

Jessyca Moreno serves as the Downtown Manager for Downtown Topeka Inc., where she is leading major operational, safety, and organizational transformations. She rebuilt Downtown Topeka’s BID systems, reestablished multi-agency safety coordination through the Clean & Safe Task Force, and advanced public-realm, merchant engagement and vibrancy initiatives that strengthen stakeholder confidence. Recognized as a Women of Excellence honoree for her vision, accountability and community-centered leadership, Jessyca is driving meaningful change and building downtown’s long-term resilience

As Director of John F. Wolfe Columbus Commons, Ashley Myers oversees over 200 annual events, ensuring an exceptional patron experience. Ashley also served as a Senior Project Manager in developing the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. Before joining the team in 2012, Ashley worked for the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission. She holds a Master of Arts in Public Policy & Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, both from The Ohio State University.

David Pierce is the Vice President of Real Estate and Asset Management at the Atlanta Beltline with nearly 20 years of experience focused on real estate, transportation and public space operations. His team works to assist the City of Atlanta with trail operations and maintenance, collaborates with adjacent property owners on redevelopments and leads land acquisition. David graduated from Georgia Tech with an M.S. in City Planning along with a B.S. from Penn State.

Cyntia Salazar is the Director of Community & Business Engagement for TLCBD. A longtime Tenderloin resident with deep family ties, she leads community improvement projects, shepherds grant initiatives and activates public‑realm spaces such as alleyways and parklets with free, year‑round programming. Grounded in urban placemaking, her work centers on reimagining public spaces to strengthen community pride, safety and connection.

Michael Symes serves as the City Center District Manager for downtown Birmingham. Michael earned his Marketing degree from the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) and set his sights on a career in sports. Little did he know, he’d fall in love with the emerging revitalization of downtown Birmingham and urban economic development came calling. Michael works daily with stakeholders, City Officials and other organizations to help make Birmingham the most vibrant city in the Southeast.

Gabriel Yeager is the Director of Placemaking and Events at the DTLA Alliance, a role he has held since January 2024 as the organization’s first leader dedicated to placemaking. He leads initiatives to enhance Downtown Los Angeles’s public realm, including the launch of Big Art. Bigger Dreams., an outdoor mural museum curated by Street Art for Mankind, the restoration of street and string lighting across multiple blocks and the Heart of Downtown campaign. Gabriel also oversees DTLA Alliance’s event portfolio, expanding downtown experiences through programs such as DTLA Summer Camp, DTLA Movie Nights and Grand Illuminations, and has facilitated more than $300,000 in public‑private funding to support placemaking efforts. Previously, he spent nearly a decade with Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 and holds a Master of Urban Planning and a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from UW‑Milwaukee.

Allyson Dykstra is a business liaison and placemaking professional with five years of experience supporting vibrant college downtowns. She began her career in downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan, where she discovered a love for college-town energy, and later carried that passion to Tempe, Arizona. There, she supports small businesses, manages stakeholder engagement and advances public realm initiatives with her team. Allyson brings a collaborative, people-centered approach and is committed to learning and leadership within the downtown profession.

Emily McConnell is a fundraising professional with over a decade of experience. As Chief of Philanthropy at University Circle Inc., she provides strategic leadership to advance a vibrant and inclusive community in Cleveland’s arts and culture district. She is passionate about aligning donor aspirations with the needs of University Circle, and leads partnership-driven efforts that strengthen organizational capacity, community connection and long-term impact. Emily holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Colorado.

Cutter Chamberlain currently serves as Interim Deputy Director of Economic Development for the City of Glendale. Cutter oversees the divisions of Downtown Development, Arts & Culture, Special Events and city-wide redevelopment. He possesses a bachelor’s in management and a master’s in public administration with an emphasis in Government and Policy from Grand Canyon University. Additionally, he holds a certification through the Arizona Association for Economic Development as an Arizona Economic Development Professional (AZED Pro).

Anna Branly is the Chief Operating Officer of Downtown Durham, Inc., where she oversees operations, including HR, finance and administration. With a career spanning marketing, PR and small business management, she has a well-rounded perspective on operational leadership. Her experience includes communications, government relations, event planning and branding. Prior to joining DDI, Anna owned and operated a specialty bakery. Anna has a BA in Communications from Elon University.

Hunter Bonniwell is the Marketing and Communications Manager at Venture Richmond, a downtown Business Improvement District dedicated to enhancing vitality through placemaking, economic development, marketing and events. In this role, Hunter leads digital and social strategy and storytelling for major place-based initiatives, including large-scale public events, public-private partnerships and programs that support the live-work-play experience. His work focuses on strengthening downtown Richmond through community engagement, cross-sector collaboration and people-centered place management.

Amy Barrett is the Executive Director of the Charleston Downtown Alliance. She previously served as the inaugural President and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Downtown Alliance and as Executive Director of the South Carolina Urban Land Institute. With over 25 years of experience in urban planning, real estate development, and nonprofit leadership, Amy holds a master’s degree from the University of Virginia and is a former U.S. Peace Corps volunteer.

Zachary Baldwin is a dynamic urban and transportation planner, serving as the Director of Mobility, Data and Research at the Southwest Business Improvement District in DC since 2021. In this role, he has co-founded the DC Mobility Innovation District, launched DC’s Circuit Rideshare program, created the District’s first Ebike Library, conducted a Universal Basic Mobility study and collaborated with the District Department of Transportation to launch the city’s autonomous vehicle testbed. He has also developed innovative data collection and visualization tools such as the SWBID’s Groundtruth program and its Public Data Dashboard. He has a background in teaching, working as an educator for over 10 years and cut his teeth in urban planning at a curb and traffic management startup. He holds a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Georgetown University, where he studied under Uwe Brandes, and a bachelor’s degree in History and International Studies from the College of New Jersey.

As Marketing & Events Manager, Grace is focused on the branding and marketing efforts of the neighborhood, engaging with MVT CID businesses to promote their specials and events, and creating dynamic community activations. Grace previously worked as the Events and Programming Manager at the Capitol Riverfront BID in Southeast DC where she was responsible for creating monthly programming that fit the branding and marketing needs of the neighborhood, as well as overseeing annual tent pole events and coordinating external rentals of the two neighborhood parks. Grace earned her BA in International Affairs from The George Washington University and is proud to call DC home. She is passionate about exploring and promoting all the wonderful neighborhoods, restaurants, and sites that make DC a unique place to live, work and visit.

Pinky Advani is the Business & Community Engagement Director at Ballston BID, leading programs, events, and placemaking initiatives that activate the district and foster community. With over 15 years of experience in business development, marketing, and community engagement, she connects businesses, property owners, and visitors to create vibrant, thriving urban spaces. Known for building strong partnerships and delivering measurable impact, Pinky strengthens Ballston’s identity as a dynamic, people-centered district where commerce and community flourish.