Career Center
Emerging Leader Fellowship
The IDA Emerging Leader Fellowship is a week-long experiential program that brings together a cohort of IDA professionals from within the urban district management industry. The fellows learn essential leadership and place management skills and gain practical tools in the areas of place-based economic development, the live-work-play experience, and public-private partnerships.
Emerging Leader Fellowship (ELF) program graduates become new CEOs, accept CEO positions in other organizations and others have elevated to more senior staff levels. ELF candidates seem to be extremely well prepared to address complex leadership questions involving diverse community stakeholders, board governance issues and staff-related issues. They are confident in discussing the pros and cons of various solutions to everyday urban challenges, and they convey energy and genuine enthusiasm. Graduates listen well to questions and respond with thoughtful insight. Continued professional development provides the greatest advantage for a successful future for both rising stars and veteran leaders—it begins with a personal commitment to continue building your skills and knowledge.
Professional development remains a hallmark of IDA. The 2025 application is now open and the deadline to apply is October 22, 2024. Please visit the application webpage to learn more. For additional information regarding the Emerging Leader Fellowship program, contact Carolyn Dellutri, Director of Professional Development.
Jaylyn Andrews
Tampa, FL
Jaylyn Andrews serves as the Public Space Operations and Programming Coordinator for the Tampa Downtown Partnership in Tampa, Florida. In her role, Jaylyn assists in facilitating the maintenance, beautification, and activation of public spaces in Tampa’s Downtown. Along with her love of placemaking, community engagement, advocacy, and knowledge cultivation, Jaylyn seeks to create meaningful experiences for Downtown’s residents, workers, and visitors and cultivate an everlasting live, work, play, and learn atmosphere within urban places.
Sarah Arnosky Ko
St. Louis , MO
Sarah Arnosky Ko is a vice president at Greater St. Louis, Inc., a civic and economic development organization committed to driving inclusive economic growth in the St. Louis metro. In her role, Arnosky Ko leads implementation of key initiatives that promote, activate, and enhance the economic vitality of Downtown St. Louis. She earned her BA from Kalamazoo College and her MPH from Washington University in St. Louis.
Nicholas Billy
Arlington, VA
Originally from Wayne, New Jersey. The youngest of four children, Nick is a transplant in Northern Virginia, and came from South Carolina to work at the Ballston BID and be closer to his brother. He attended Xavier University in Cincinnati before transferring to Seton Hall University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and Certificate in Entrepreneurship. Before joining the Ballston BID, Nick specialized in logistics in the golf and hospitality industries.
Tara Borwey
Fairfax, VA
Tara Borwey is the Programs Manager for Fairfax City Economic Development. She conceptualizes and oversees the execution of retail business initiatives, placemaking, and other specialized projects. She fosters relationships among businesses and neighborhood development organizations while collaborating with community partners. Her efforts are directed at advancing local establishments and implementing targeted events that support sales for local businesses. Tara holds a BS in Business Administration from San Jose State University.
Maddie Chase
Charlotte, NC
Originally from Arlington, Virginia, Maddie completed her degree in political science and history at Longwood University and moved to Charlotte after falling in love with the city’s thriving business community and budding culinary scene. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring farmers markets, and traveling. Maddie brings a passion for great places wherever she goes and feels privileged to serve her community.
Sherri Cunningham
Washington, DC
Sherri leads marketing and communications, including branding/placemaking, digital marketing, media, and events. Prior to NoMa BID, Sherri was CEO of a PR firm she founded, representing Verizon, Marriott, and the US Conference of Mayors. She’s won PR’s highest accolades, Silver Anvil and Thoth Awards. Sherri loves to travel, explore and spent two years in Seoul, anchoring a news broadcast. She’s passionate about activating urban spaces and building inclusive partnerships. Sherri graduated from Duke University.
Brandon Fahy
Austin, TX
Brandon Fahy is Director of Public Space Experience with the Downtown Austin Alliance in Austin, Texas. Originally from Sioux Falls, SD, Brandon and his husband, Jeff, moved to Austin in December 2019. Brandon’s background is in operations management, project management and risk management for a leading corporation.
Sophie Farrell
Regina, SK
Sophie has been the Manager of Member Engagement at Regina Downtown Business Improvement District since 2021. Her role is responsible for being the first point of contact for downtown business members, assisting with their concerns, developing new programs to meet their needs, and engaging members in BID promotional events. Best described as a “People Person, Problem Solver,” Sophie is passionate about relationship building and connecting with people.
Cecile Gregoire
San Francisco, CA
An adept writer and communications professional, Cecile unearthed her love for storytelling through 18 years in PR. After a career change, Cecile is now the Director of Communications for the Fisherman’s Wharf CBD, spearheading the communications strategy with all stakeholders and partners, creating connections that are vital to the success of the Fisherman’s Wharf organization. Beyond her professional life, she is a pianist, self-taught artist, and the author of a children’s book.
Daniel Halden
Los Angeles, CA
Dan Halden is a public servant with an expertise in civic engagement, strategic planning and placemaking. In 10+ years with the City of Los Angeles, Dan has served in various roles including as Heart of Hollywood Director at Council District 13, where he developed the Walk of Fame Master Plan to catalyze economic development and a stronger sense of place in Hollywood. He is a lifelong pianist, trivia aficionado and long-suffering baseball fan.
Rhiannon Hayes
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Rhiannon is the Director of Policy and Economic Development at Downtown Winnipeg BIZ where she leads a team focused on policy and advocacy, market research and business support programs. Rhiannon is a proud Winnipegger and passionate about all things downtown. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Western University and brings experience in government, policy and stakeholder relations. When she’s not working on community development, she is probably reading or travelling.
Cassie Hoeprich
Houston, TX
Cassie is a trained urban planner with over a decade of experience serving neighborhood-based organizations. Her work has touched a number of community-first and community-driven economic development, urban design, and policy initiatives across California, New York City, and Houston, Texas. She is an avid cyclist, former Board Member of Youth Art Exchange and Oakland Art Murmur, and received her Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning degree from UCLA.
Claude Imbault
San Francisco, CA
I’ve always loved cities. They’re where commerce, connections, and innovation take place. I’ve studied urban planning in undergraduate school, with an emphasis on design, because I understood how the built environment shapes people’s behavior, thoughts, and the quality of their lives. I’ve carried this ethos into the place management and placemaking sector to inform my work overseeing public realm improvement projects, and new types of organizational partnerships, to reimagine downtown San Francisco.
Jamee Jolly
Dallas, TX
For more than 20 years, Jamee Jolly has been leading organizations, driving economic development, and uniting communities. Jamee is a mission-driven, senior executive with proven successes and her ability to manage cross-functional teams and connect partners to deliver high-quality solutions is what makes her an invaluable asset. She has earned the CAE (Certified Association Executive), IOM (Institute for Organization Management) and CCE (Certified Chamber Executive) designations.
Lauren Koll
Chandler, AZ
Lauren Koll is the Downtown Redevelopment Program Manager for Chandler. Previously, she worked in Neighborhood Resources, the Mayor’s and Council Office. Lauren has obtained her Master’s in Sustainability Leadership from Arizona State University and holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. In her new role, Lauren eagerly seeks to create new business partnerships to enhance the community she loves and lives in.
Kate Marshall
Kansas City, MO
Born and raised in New York and graduated from Vassar College, I lived and worked in Europe for AmEx, then relocated to Kansas City in 1985 to work for EF Hutton. That was followed by years as a fundraiser and grant maker. I have three great kids that are the best part of my life. Bringing the PDC to life, to ensure a vibrant and successful future for the Kansas City Plaza District is my passion.
Sharral McGee
Dallas, TX
Sharral McGee is a talented Fleet Manager at Downtown Dallas, Inc. (DDI) with seven years of experience in the industry, Sharral has developed a deep understanding of Fleet Management best practices and a proven track record of delivering results. Sharral has decreased the number of incidental accidents by implementing a comprehensive training program. Sharral graduated from LeTourneau University in 2013 with a Bachelor’s in Marketing with minors in Business Administration and Management.
Rob Overman
Greensboro, NC
Rob Overman is the Director of Strategic Initiatives for Downtown Greensboro, Inc. A role he describes as “strategic creativity” that results in transformative community experiences. With over 7 years in public space management, Rob has played a crucial role in many of Downtown Greensboro’s large-scale projects that have reshaped the landscape of downtown Greensboro; producing a vibrant and fiscally healthy Business Improvement District. Rob holds a degree in Political Science from Guilford College.
Morgan Phillips
Tulsa, OK
Morgan Phillips is Director of Marketing & Experience for Downtown Tulsa Partnership. Her background in public relations and community journalism informs her work launching and communicating about the programs and initiatives that help make Downtown Tulsa a prosperous and vibrant community for all. Highlights of her work include establishing new partnerships and working on place enhancement efforts that engage diverse audiences. She and her husband of 15 years have two daughters and a rescue dog.
Kelsey Pramik
Boston, MA
Kelsey Pramik joined the Downtown Boston BID in 2023. As the Director of Special Projects, she leads cross-departmental initiatives, considers new priorities, and manages the development of strategic focuses. This role leverages her decade of experience in project management, communications, marketing, executive office management, and strategic planning. She has worked for a range of place-based organizations in Boston and Washington, DC, including the Esplanade Association, Rock Creek Conservancy, Charles River Conservancy, and Land Trust Alliance.
Julie Reinhardt
Lansing, MI
Julie Reinhardt brings 25+ years of experience to her role as Community Development Director for Downtown Lansing Inc. Her passion for building ecosystems that draw residential and business investment led her to find her niche in downtown economic development. She is proud to be a part of reimagining Michigan’s Capital City as it dives into a once in a lifetime opportunity to show recovery, growth and innovation in today’s business models.
Andrew Robertson
Toronto, ON
Andrew is the Planning and Advocacy Manager for the Toronto Financial District BIA (FDBIA). Andrew manages and implements the FDBIA’s policy and advocacy positions to support a high-quality public realm, reduce construction disruption, and support the vibrancy of Canada’s economic engine. Andrew’s areas of focus include advocating for safe micromobility policy, downtown transit, and construction mitigation. Andrew earned a Bachelor of Engineering from York University and a Master of Planning from Toronto Metropolitan University.
Martin Ronzio-Garcia
Santa Monica, CA
Martin Ronzio-Garcia is the Business & Community Development Manager for Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. In this role, Martin oversees the request for proposals that support economic development within the district, and he works, in partnership with city officials, to simplify the permitting process for Downtown Santa Monica stakeholders. Martin holds a Master of Architecture with an emphasis in Urban Policy from Woodbury University, as well as a Bachelor’s in Studio Arts from Loyola Marymount University.
Chris Sanders
Decatur, GA
Christopher Sanders serves as the Executive Director of the East Metro Community Improvement District. He previously worked in the Georgia Department of Revenue and Georgia Pacific. Professionally, he has experience in private, public, and non-profit areas. In his spare time, he serves as Chairman of The West Georgia Alumni Association Board of Directors, Buckhead Church men’s group leader, Vice-Chairman of the Georgia Charter School Association, and on the Stone Mountain Memorial Association Board of Directors.
Rich Sarian
Los Angeles, CA
I always wanted to be a Disney Imagineer… Turns out, being in place management is the same but better! I have a passion for community and civic life that enhances living. I am an innovative thinker, finding solution and making friends along the way. I have a passion for living and want everyone to enjoy it with the zest I cherish. Knowing my efforts make a difference in daily lives, I never want to stop.
Heather Spires
Columbia, SC
Heather Spires rejoined the Main Street District in 2022 as VP of Development & Administration, having served as VP of Retail Recruitment from 2011 to 2015. In these roles, she has worked closely with property owners, municipal leaders and entrepreneurs to build a vibrant entertainment and retail corridor in the heart of the capital city. With over 20 years in the non-profit sector, Heather has a diverse skillset in fundraising, government relations, and business development.
Tony Trinh
Oakland, CA
As the Executive Director of Oakland Chinatown Improvement Council, Tony oversees the Community Benefits District in Oakland Chinatown and played a pivotal role in establishment of cleaning and safety services. Notably, he orchestrated the 2024 Lunar New Year Parade. Tony brings a wealth of professional experience in real estate/small business ownership, providing a foundation for his leadership and expertise. Tony’s deeply rooted passion for community service is evident in his childhood upbringing in Oakland Chinatown.
Kelvin Whitehurst
Lynchburg, VA
Kelvin Whitehurst is the Business Development Coordinator at Downtown Lynchburg Association where he writes and executes grants obtained by the organization; he also happens to be the main point of contact for small storefront businesses in the area. Kelvin administered the Launch LYH program, Lynchburg’s first community-based learning program, where participants learned to create and pitch their business plans to local professionals. Kelvin graduated with a Journalism degree from the University of Lynchburg in 2018.
Sarah Wiebenson
Denver, CO
I was fortunate to grow up in Cambridge, Massachusetts within walking distance of locally owned shops and restaurants. In my first job, with the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, I witnessed first-hand the impact on community character of displacing these small shops and restaurants. This set the path for my career, encouraging me to earn a Master’s degree in Urban Planning with a specialization in Economic Development, focusing on public-private approaches to revitalizing commercial districts.
Elise Yablonsky
Cleveland, OH
Elise Yablonsky has a passion for great urban places. She serves as the Vice President of Community Development at University Circle Inc., developing, serving, and advocating for Cleveland’s University Circle as a vibrant and complete neighborhood. She has led projects that preserve and celebrate history, activate and enhance public space, make streets safer places for all, and give new life to underutilized properties. She previously worked with Destination Cleveland and the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation.
