Courtesy / Portland Downtown
Cary Tyson will take the helm of Portland Downtown June 9.
June 5, 2020
New Portland Downtown chief aims for vitality in uncertain times
By Staff
Cary Tyson will begin work as executive director of Portland Downtown, the nonprofit downtown improvement district, on June 9.
He replaces Casey Gilbert, who led the organization since 2015 but is leaving to build a consulting practice, PowerWith Associates, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Tyson brings experience in downtown revitalization, public service, community development and partnership building.
Most recently, he served as director of economic and community development at the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments, where he’s worked since 2017.
“Portland Downtown’s mission is more important now than ever,” Tyson said in a news release. “I look forward to working with our staff, board, business and property owners, and nonprofit partners to ensure that our community, even in the midst of great uncertainty, remains vital and vibrant. I am thrilled to be a part of an organization that has, and always will, create positive change.”
Before moving to Maine, Tyson served as executive director for the Washington State Microenterprise Association and director of Main Street Arkansas. A consultant and recipient of numerous awards for leadership and innovation, Tyson holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Arkansas and is a certified volunteer manager.
Courtesy / Portland Downtown
Casey Gilbert is stepping down as executive director from Portland Downtown after five years.
An executive search committee, led by Portland Downtown board chair David Packard and comprised of board members and community leaders, began a nationwide search last fall for a new executive director.
“We are so excited to welcome Cary Tyson as the leader of Portland Downtown,” Packard said in the release. “His background in downtown management, economic development, and urban placemaking will be a great asset to our organization and to the downtown community we serve.”
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments