A 15-year employee of the Auburn Downtown Business Improvement District has been named its new executive director.
Jesse Kline has been appointed to the role after more than a year of working as acting executive director, the BID announced in a news release Tuesday. She began at the BID in 2010.
Kline has served as assistant director under Connie Reilly and then Stephanie DeVito, and her contributions at the BID include branding initiatives, a new website and printed materials, establishing the Art for Auburn public art project, organizing downtown's First Friday events and helping with special events like the Memorial Day Food Truck Rodeo, Music on the Mall, Founder's Day and other festivals.
Jesse Kline
As acting executive director, the BID said, Kline worked closely with the board of directors, community partners and stakeholders to advance the BID's mission of improving downtown.
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鈥淛esse Kline possesses a strong blend of relevant skills, organizational insights, and proven results. She brings her passion and talent for enhancing downtown as a hub for public art and culture. Her dedicated experience with the organization and local businesses makes her an excellent strategic choice for the future of the BID,鈥 said the board's outgoing chair, Dawn Schulz of Prison City Brewing.
The BID, whose offices are located at the New York State Equal Rights Heritage Center, said that with Kline as acting director it has engaged a new bookkeeper, payroll company, time management system and employee handbook. DeVito resigned amid an investigation by the board into allegations that included violations of state and federal labor law.
鈥淲e eagerly anticipate Jesse Kline鈥檚 leadership as executive director. Our board is engaged in new strategic planning and is excited about the fresh interest in our downtown district from several new businesses that have recently opened. Jesse brings valuable experience and enthusiasm for the area鈥檚 future development,鈥 said Andrew Simkin, the board's incoming chair.
The BID's recent accomplishments also include the continued success of its Flower Power beautification program, completing seven projects funded by the city's Downtown Revitalization Initiative state grant, landscaping at the Hadley Building's new "Space Between" sculpture, a redesigned public art trail brochure, and new grant funding for public art at Auburn Public Theater and the State Street Plaza.
鈥淭o reflect on the past year, we take great pride in our organizational growth and financial stability, the renewed energy of our staff, board and stakeholders, and our optimistic outlook for the future. I am grateful and excited to serve as the executive director of the Auburn Downtown BID," Kline said.
"Our organization also warmly welcomes incoming (board members) Mark DiVietro, Silbert Optical; Dustin Culver, Parker鈥檚 129; and Jeff Ludwig, Seward House Museum."
