The Auburn Downtown Business Improvement District announced on Tuesday the appointment of Jesse Kline as its Executive Director.
Last month, Kline marked 15 years of experience with the Auburn Downtown BID, having started in 2010 as the Assistant Director under former Executive Director Connie Reilly. BID listed Kline’s contributions as encompassing branding initiatives, creating a new website and printed materials, establishing “Art for Auburn” and supervising volunteer art installations, collaborating on Auburn’s Public Art Trail website and brochure, organizing First Friday monthly events, and assisting with special events, including the Memorial Day Food Truck Rodeo, Music on the Mall, Majorpalooza, Founder’s Day, and other street festivals.
“Jesse 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,” stated Dawn Schulz, outgoing BID Board Chair and owner of the Prison City Pub & Brewing Co.
“We eagerly anticipate Jesse Kline’s 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’s future development,” remarked Andrew Simkin, the incoming BID Board Chair.
During Kline’s tenure as Acting Executive Director, the BID engaged a new bookkeeper, payroll company, time management system, and employee handbook, successfully completed seven DRI-funded projects, and achieved success with the Flower Power program and other fundraising initiatives, including a new event at Auburn Public Theater (APT). Other special projects include
landscaping at the Hadley Building’s Space Between sculpture and green space, a redesigned Public Art Trail Brochure, new grant funding for public art projects at APT and the State Street Plaza and facilitated the BID’s strategic planning process with substantial stakeholder engagement.
“To 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. Our organization also warmly welcomes incoming Board of Directors Mark DiVietro, Silbert Optical; Dustin Culver, Parker’s 129; and Jeff Ludwig, Seward House Museum,” stated Kline.
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