Release Date: August 14,2024
Kimberly Beckett Named New President and CEO of Downtown Akron Partnership
August 13, 2024, Akron, Ohio — Downtown Akron Partnership (DAP) proudly announces that longtime staff member Kimberly Beckett has been promoted to President and CEO of the organization by the Board of Directors. The announcement comes after an open search for candidates during which Beckett served as DAP’s Interim President.
DAP Board of Directors Chair and CEO of Chemstress Consultant Company Julie Wesel says, “The board is pleased to promote Kimberly to the role of DAP CEO. She is a proven leader, and she has made immeasurable contributions to the success DAP has had in making downtown Akron a vibrant neighborhood.”
Kimbely Beckett says, “I’m honored and excited to take on the role of President and CEO, and I’m looking forward to leading the DAP team in our efforts to build a downtown that is alive, attractive and open to everyone. It’s a thrilling time to be downtown—more people want to live here, more people are visiting—the neighborhood has so much to offer and we’re seeing people connecting to it every day.”
Beckett has been employed at DAP since 2007. She has worked closely with downtown businesses, property owners, residents and other stakeholders, championing business development activities, connecting businesses to resources and available real estate in downtown, and administering the Start Downtown Program. The program, funded through a grant from Burton D. Morgan Foundation, began in 2015 and has catalyzed 19 businesses currently operating downtown. The program prioritizes supporting businesses owned by women and people of color.
Beckett has also been instrumental to the work of Elevate Greater Akron, serving on committees for Spark Akron, the New BRE (business retention and expansion), Refocus on Downtown, and the Economic Development Working Group. Her contributions have ensured that downtown Akron has remained a crucial driver in the goals of the initiatives. In addition to her impressive resume of business retention, engagement and development, Beckett has helped lead downtown planning initiatives, and public space planning and activation.
Beckett received her bachelor’s degree from The University of Wisconsin-Madison and her master’s degree in public administration from The University of Akron. She is a Torchbearers Alumnus and is former Vice President of the Friends of Metro Parks board of directors.
About Downtown Akron Partnership
The mission of Downtown Akron Partnership (DAP) is to promote and build a vibrant and valuable downtown. DAP is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing people, activity, business and a thriving civic life to the heart of Akron. Through strategic marketing, clean and safe programs and management of downtown's resources, DAP works to promote downtown as a gathering place in the center of our community.
DAP's members include property owners, business leaders and government officials who want to improve the image of downtown as a safe, convenient location for businesses, working professionals and families. DAP is governed by a board of trustees as diverse as the interests of our city. DAP receives general operating support by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Akron Community Foundation, and GAR Foundation.