New Executive Director at Downtown PKB

My first month as executive director of Downtown PKB has been a whirlwind of becoming acquainted with the Main Street program and its four-point approach of historic preservation, economic development, design, and promotion/marketing. I’ve also been meeting with board members, volunteers, and other downtown community members and stakeholders to learn about what is expected of me and the organization. The past executive director, Wendy Shriver, our board president, Lindsey Piersol, and the Downtown PKB events and marketing manager, Jessica Strickler have all been extremely helpful in this transition.

I have been a part of the downtown Parkersburg community for the last five years through my roles at Artsbridge as office manager and then executive director. This community is full of individuals and businesses who have a common goal of seeing our downtown reach its potential. While the whole world has been reeling from the global pandemic, every town in America has been taking a close look at what defines their community and where to go from here. The positive that comes from this is a new beginning in a world that looks a little bit different. Downtown PKB plans to bring back all of our regular events starting with Winterfest on Saturday, December 4th, 2021 in a safe and careful way.

This fall, Downtown PKB has helped plan and promote Artoberfest, planted mums throughout the downtown, had a ribbon-cutting with St. Joseph Landing, conducted a housing study with the economic development authority, prepared the veteran’s banners for November, and had the Monster Mash drive-through event.

There are many projects in the works as we speak. The Ross Foundation has been working on opening Discovery World, a world-class children’s museum right here on Market Street! There is a new business coming to 701 Market Street in early November called Wine Down on Market. 

Every new director that comes to an organization has their own unique vision and I am no different. My hopes for Downtown PKB are to maintain the success and integrity of the organization that my predecessors have so carefully put into place and to build onto the existing programs that people have come to love. I also have a vision of continuing to see new businesses open in the vacant buildings, and to continue beautification projects. I plan to reach out and work with the businesses and individuals who call downtown Parkersburg their home. Parkersburg is my home and I am passionate about its growth and success. I’m thankful for the opportunity to do my part.