on November 17, 2021 / by Grace Truex / in Blog Posts, DDI News
DOWNTOWN DALLAS – The Downtown Dallas, Inc. (DDI) Board of Directors today announced the appointment of Chief Operating Officer Amy Tharp as Interim President & CEO of the organization.
Tharp joined the 100-employee nonprofit placemaking, advocacy, and economic development group in August 2016 after serving as President & Executive Director of Uptown Dallas, Inc. In her capacity as DDI’s COO, she works closely with senior leaders and the DDI Board to shape DDI’s strategic goals and annual work program. She leads both the Human Resources and Finance departments.
As COO, Tharp sits on the organization’s Board of Governors and leads the Downtown Dallas, Inc. Foundation, the charitable arm of DDI.
“Amy has been a leader in this community for many years, most recently helping to strategically manage and grow DDI,” said Mattia J. Flabiano, III, DDI’s Chairman of the Board. “We know that she will work collaboratively with the DDI team to maintain the incredible momentum in Downtown Dallas.”
Outgoing President & CEO Kourtny Garrett will remain on staff through the end of the year to help with the transition. Garrett announced earlier this year that she will become president and CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership at the beginning of January after a 20-year career with DDI.
“I am honored to step into this role, and I am confident that DDI will continue to run seamlessly in the months ahead thanks largely to the incredible talent we have built at all levels of our operation,” Tharp said.
Amy will continue to work alongside the DDI Executive Team, comprised of Dustin Bullard, EVP of Economic Development & Place; Scott Goldstein, Chief of Communications & Policy; Michael Graham, Controller; Shalissa Perry, Chief Marketing Officer; Albert Sanchez, VP of Public Safety; and Evan Sheets, VP of Economic Development & Planning. Together, they will continue to ensure that DDI delivers best-in-class services to the Downtown community.
A committee that includes DDI Board members and other stakeholders is overseeing a national search for a permanent president and CEO. That decision is expected sometime in the first half of 2022.
About Downtown Dallas, Inc.
Downtown Dallas, Inc. (DDI) is the primary advocate, champion, and steward for Downtown, effecting change by developing strategies, setting targets, and mobilizing resources. DDI manages the Dallas Downtown Improvement District (DID), created in 1992 and renewed most recently in 2020. The DID funds supplemental services and amenities that help create and sustain Downtown Dallas as a clean and safe mixed-use neighborhood. An annual assessment paid by properties in the DID funds safety and cleaning programs, transportation enhancements, park and public space management, economic development plans, promotion of special events, and other services. The current PID term runs until December 31, 2027, with annual budget and assessment rate subject to a public hearing and City Council approval.
For more information, visit downtowndallas.com.
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