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 closed. For additional information regarding the Emerging Leader Fellowship program, contact Carolyn Dellutri, Director of Professional Development.
Leah Ben
Philadelphia, PA
Leah Ben is the Senior Marketing Manager at Old City District, where she leads marketing initiatives and strategic planning for a vibrant community of 300 small businesses. Originally from New Jersey and now living in Philadelphia, Leah has over 10 years of experience in marketing and communications. She excels in creating impactful digital campaigns and managing events, and is currently leading Old City’s marketing plan to address post-pandemic challenges and new opportunities. Leah has previous marketing experience at Center City District in Philadelphia and the NoMa Business Improvement District in Washington, DC.
Reegan Brown
Boulder, CO
Reegan is a Senior Project Manager with the City of Boulder’s Community Vitality Department, focusing on economic development, district management and placemaking. With a background in Urban Policy, small business support in NYC and years of experience in hospitality, Reegan brings a unique perspective to public service. Driven by a commitment to inclusive community-building, Reegan leads projects that enhance public spaces, support local businesses and strengthen Boulder’s commercial districts for residents and visitors alike.
Emily Chong
Lethbridge, AB
Emily Chong is the Marketing & Communications Manager for the Downtown Lethbridge Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ). She oversees all things marketing, public relations, events and promotional efforts to enhance the downtown Lethbridge area’s vibrancy. With a strong background in marketing and community engagement, Emily is passionate about fostering growth and collaboration in the heart of Lethbridge. Emily has Bachelor degrees in Kinesiology and Management from the University of Lethbridge.
Tracy Doren
Mesa, AZ
Tracy Doren has been working in downtown organizations for over seven years. What started as a way to connect with the small businesses that embody ‘Main Street USA’ has grown into a deep passion. Early in her career, Tracy supported small businesses by working with Chambers of Commerce and later became an advocate for locally owned businesses as publisher of a community newspaper.
John Dougherty
Pittsburgh, PA
Jack is Senior Director of Constituent Services at Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP), where he has served in several roles since joining the organization over twelve years ago. A member of Pittsburgh Magazine/PUMP’s 40 under 40 class of 2022, he served as an AmeriCorps member in the Mayor’s Office of Pittsburgh prior to PDP. Originally from Chester Springs, PA, Jack volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters and holds a B.A. in Political Science from Duquesne University.
Hannah Gall
Cleveland, OH
Hannah Gall is passionate about public spaces and vibrant, empowered communities. Currently Senior Director of Parks & Public Spaces for Downtown Cleveland, Inc., she spent over a decade of her career in New York City, including at Partnerships for Parks and the Neighborhood Preservation Center, before returning to her native Northeast Ohio and joining West Park Kamm’s Neighborhood Development. In her own backyard, she serves on her local Planning Commission and Keep America Beautiful affiliate.
Tess Harris
Santa Barbara, CA
Tess serves as the State Street Master Planner for the City of Santa Barbara, where she manages the downtown area master plan, a visioning plan for the next 50 years. In her role, she aims to improve Downtown short-term and long-term while also celebrating the City’s history, culture, and community. Tess works regularly with property and business owners. She holds a BA from UCSB and a MA from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies.
Cole Judge
Hollywood, CA
As Research and Economic Development Manager, Cole Judge is focused on enhancing Hollywood’s vitality through place-based economic development research. She leverages data to enhance the district’s content and information for both internal and external stakeholders. Cole holds a Master of Urban Planning from the University of New Orleans and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from William Smith College. Prior to this position, Cole was Director of Research for the International Downtown Association (IDA), Senior Associate at Progressive Urban Management Associates (PUMA), a White House Strong Cities Strong Communities Fellow (SC2) and she has worked at several urban place management organizations including Downtown Los Angeles, Downtown Santa Monica, Downtown Fresno and Downtown Denver.
Caroline Keesler
Tampa, FL
Caroline is the Senior Manager of Marketing & Communications at the Tampa Downtown Partnership, where she leads initiatives aimed at amplifying the visibility and impact of Tampa’s Downtown. With extensive experience in both agency and in-house roles, she combines strategic vision with creative storytelling. Passionate about amplifying marginalized voices, Caroline focuses on innovative branding and digital engagement strategies. Her efforts foster meaningful connections among stakeholders and beyond, shaping the narrative of Tampa’s vibrant downtown community.
James LaBar
Charlotte, NC
Prior to joining CCCP, James served as the Regional Solutions Director and Policy Advisor for Housing, Economy and Jobs for the Oregon Governor. He also worked for the Salt River Project, an award-winning utility in Phoenix, Arizona, as the Manager of Strategic Engagement – State and Local Government Relations. James earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Cincinnati, a master’s degree from the University of West Florida and completed Ph.D. coursework at Arizona State University.
Olivia Larson
Austin, TX
Born and raised in Las Vegas, Olivia leverages her background in marketing and law as Chief of Staff at the Downtown Austin Alliance. She is passionate about building community and camaraderie through the places we love and hold dear. Olivia believes that shared experiences give places meaning and foster deeper connections, and she’s fortunate to cultivate those experiences for everyone in downtown Austin. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her dog.
Carolyn Levine
Denver, CO
With a background in community and place-based planning, Carolyn brings a passion for public space and a commitment to equity to her work at the Downtown Denver Partnership. In her current role, she is responsible for developing year-round engagement opportunities that educate, connect and inspire. Carolyn is the founder of This Must Be The Place, a bi-monthly newsletter that shares placemaking opportunities. She holds a Master’s degree in Urban Placemaking and Management from Pratt Institute.
Kyle Leyenberger
Little Rock, AR
Kyle Leyenberger joined the Downtown Little Rock Partnership in August 2022 as the Director of Communications and Marketing. Following a career in broadcast journalism, Leyenberger spent seven years at nonprofits focused on organizing and advocacy at the state Capitol. He previously served as Communications Director for the Arkansas Education Association and was a general assignment reporter at KNWA in Fayetteville during a period of major investment in Northwest Arkansas downtowns.
Sabrina Lolo
West Palm Beach, FL
Sabrina Lolo is a dynamic marketing professional with a unique blend of expertise in digital journalism and marketing. As Marketing Coordinator for the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority, she has spearheaded community-building initiatives like Wake Up West Palm and the Human Library, enhancing engagement and local business growth. With a passion for storytelling and community impact, Sabrina combines her journalistic background with innovative marketing strategies to shape vibrant, thriving communities.
Robert Mandle
Arlington, VA
Rob Mandle serves as the Deputy Executive Director at the National Landing BID. Leveraging his background in planning, Rob has led visionary efforts that include a pedestrian connection linking downtown National Landing to Washington National Airport, reimagining a divisive highway as a unifying urban boulevard and reframing the boundaries of his BID to better showcase the area as a true economic engine. Rob is a e-bike convert and lives in the DC neighborhood of Petworth.
Maria Martins-Evora
Baltimore, MD
Maria Martins-Evora has been the Chief of Operations Management at Downtown Partnership of Baltimore (DPOB) since 2022. With over 20 years of experience in operational leadership across non-profits and government, she manages DPOB’s operations. Maria has expertise in streamlining processes and implementing improvements. She previously supported the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services during the pandemic and now focuses on advancing downtown Baltimore’s economic health through collaboration with the DPOB team and stakeholders.
Wendy Noble
Dallas, TX
Wendy Noble is a dedicated human services professional with a decade of experience in homeless services. As the Homeless Outreach Assistance Manager for Downtown Dallas, Inc. (DDI), Wendy leverages her professional and lived expertise to drive impactful change. She is passionate about restoring unsheltered homeless individuals to society and creating lasting changes in her community. Her unique perspective and commitment to transformation make her a valuable asset to the Public Improvement District.
Lindsey Payne-Johnstone
Bellingham, WA
Lindsey Payne-Johnstone grew up in Vancouver, Washington, with her family, including her twin sister, before moving to Bellingham for university in 2004. She still resides in Bellingham, where she has built a life with her husband and enjoys spending time with friends. They love live music, the Pacific Northwest outdoors, good food and drinks and enjoying their downtown area. Payne-Johnstone is dedicated to her work as a place manager, and cooking for others is her way of expressing affection.
Sheffia Randall-Nickerson
Cleveland, OH
Sheffia Randall-Nickerson, MBA is currently the Chief Engagement and Collaboration Officer at University Circle Inc., the community service corporation responsible for developing, serving and advocating for University Circle as a vibrant and complete neighborhood. Sheffia also held the positions as President and CEO of the Center for Arts-Inspired Learning, a non-profit arts education organization and Assistant Director of Community Engagement and Education at Playhouse Square in the center of the Cleveland Theatre District.
Marissa Reed
Cincinnati, OH
Marissa Reed is a Senior Project Manager for the Operations Team at 3CDC. She focuses on process improvement, beautification and managing relationships with partners. Marissa joined 3CDC in 2019 as an Operations Supervisor overseeing downtown Cincinnati’s Ambassador program. Prior to joining the team at 3CDC, she worked for Keep Cincinnati Beautiful and College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation. Marissa is a lifelong Ohioan and earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Cincinnati.
Isabel Ullrich
Milwaukee, WI
Isabel Ullrich is the Marketing, Events and Social Media Manager at Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21. With a background in strategic communications and project management, she previously interned for the BID and admired its meaningful work—making it the perfect fit when a role opened up. Since returning to her hometown of Milwaukee after studying and working in Madison, she has loved every moment of it. In her free time, she enjoys skiing, biking, knitting and cooking.
Lukas Umana
Washington, DC
Lukas Umana is a seasoned business executive with 17 years of leadership experience, specializing in operations and finance. He launched nine food/beverage businesses. Prior to joining the DowntownDC BID he served as President/CFO of TaKorean restaurant group. Prior to this role, he was the CEO/Co-Founder of a restaurant group. Lukas holds a degree in Finance and International Management from American University and has a decade of experience as an Analyst for the Department of Defense.
Erica Waltemade
San Francisco, CA
Erica Waltemade, a San Francisco and Asheville-based placemaking professional, has 10+ years in art, design and community engagement. As Director of Placemaking, she revitalizes public spaces through art, design and landscaping to foster community and celebrate culture. Her projects include murals, lighting, events and marketing. Erica’s background in art, marketing and architecture enhances her placemaking process and drives her passion for vibrant public spaces. She holds BA and MA degrees in Art and Art History.
Careyann Weinberg
Norfolk, VA
Careyann Weinberg has been a driving force behind Norfolk’s most impactful projects, including the NEON District (arts district) and Selden Market, one of the nation’s first retail incubators. As Director of Economic Vitality for Downtown Norfolk Council, she leads programs that support downtown’s economy and foster creative entrepreneurship. Careyann’s expertise spans managing large commercial renovations, curating public art and producing community-building events. She is dedicated to creating vibrant, inclusive communities through cultural and economic initiatives.
Kady Yellow
Jacksonville, FL
Kady Yellow is a placemaking expert who holds bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics and Design from Binghamton University and a master’s in Arts Administration from the University of New Orleans. Yellow specializes in “making public space(s) more public” with projects throughout the United States, Ireland, Portugal and Spain. Known for her resident-driven practice, Yellow is an author who both writes and teaches on the subject matter, with a focus on civic entrepreneurship and the creative economy.
Raeley Youngs
Arlington, VA
Raeley is the marketing manager at the Rosslyn Business Improvement District, where she has been driving strategic marketing efforts since 2022. With experience in digital strategy, content creation and brand management, she plays a key role in shaping Rosslyn’s public perception and stakeholder engagement. Prior to joining the BID, Raeley held communications roles at Sprint and T-Mobile. Originally from the Midwest, she proudly holds a journalism degree from the University of Kansas.
Emma Zanello
Bethesda, MD
Emma Q. Zanello, Bethesda Urban Partnership’s Marketing & Communications Manager, specializes in community-centered events, social media marketing and placemaking. With over ten years of experience, she’s driven by a love for connecting people, the arts and building vibrant public spaces. Originally from Virginia, Emma is now rooted in Bethesda, Maryland where she proudly supports and contributes to her community through her work with Bethesda’s Arts & Entertainment District and Bethesda Urban Partnership.
