Portland Downtown launches search for new executive director
Courtesy / Portland Downtown
Casey Gilbert is stepping down June 30 as executive director from Portland Downtown after five years.
Portland Downtown, a nonprofit downtown improvement district, is beginning its search for a new executive director to replace Casey Gilbert, whose contract ends June 30.
Gilbert, who led the organization through a five-year strategic plan from 2015-20, is leaving to build a consulting practice, complete her Ph.D. studies this spring and explore teaching opportunities, according to a news release.
Under Gilbert, Portland Downtown said it:
• Increased advocacy, at the city level, on issues such as parking and transportation, panhandling and noise levels;
• Expanded the district boundaries, resulting in the provision of “clean and safe” programs and services for an additional 218 downtown properties;
• Partnered with Amistad, a peer support and recovery center, to develop the Peer Outreach Worker Program, helping downtown's vulnerable populations get help they need;
• Raised the profile of Portland Downtown’s major community events including Downtown Worker Appreciation Day, the Monument Square Tree Lighting, Merry Madness and Shop for a Cause Day;
• Elevated the Portland Downtown identity through enhanced marketing and communications initiatives; and
• Collaborated with the city of Portland and local transportation agencies to launch the Drive Less Do More campaign.
The Portland Downtown board of directors is launching a nationwide search for a candidate who has development or business management experience, especially in the areas of downtown revitalization, urban placemaking or nonprofit leadership. Beginning March 1, the job posting will be available at portlandmaine.com, indeed.com, downtown.org and nonprofitmaine.org.
"It has been a true honor and privilege to serve Portland Downtown, its board, staff and stakeholders for the past five years,” Gilbert said in the release. “We have accomplished so much and I could not be more proud. I have no doubt that the new executive director will continue to build on the organization’s past 28 years of success.”
David Packard, incoming board chair and counsel at PK Realty Management LLC, said, “This is an exciting time for Portland Downtown. Although the staff, board, and downtown community will miss Casey and her many remarkable talents as a leader in downtown management, we’re looking forward to finding another stellar executive director to guide us through our next strategic plan.”
According to its website, Portland Downtown, a 501(c)4 nonprofit, works to create a clean and safe downtown while building and promoting a vibrant business, residential, and tourism destination.
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