DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP NAMES SHELONDA STOKES INTERIM PRESIDENT
Stokes, the organizations’ current board chair, steps into the top position; Search for the successor to outgoing President, Kirby Fowler, is slowed by the coronavirus pandemic
BALTIMORE – Shelonda Stokes, President and CEO of greiBO Media and long-time Downtown Partnership of Baltimore (DPOB) board member will step in as Interim President of the Downtown Partnership and Executive Director of the Downtown Management Authority, effective immediately. Current President, Kirby Fowler, will step down at the end of this week to join the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore as its President and CEO.
helonda Stokes, President and CEO of greiBO Media, will step in as Interim President of the Downtown Partnership and Executive Director of the Downtown Management Authority. (Courtesy Photo/nwbc.gov)
Stokes, who was named the organization’s board chair last fall, will temporarily step away from greiBO while a permanent replacement for Fowler is secured. “I am thankful for Kirby’s fifteen years of service and excited to work with such a talented team and resilient organization,” Stokes said. “We’ve weathered challenging times, including the last recession and Baltimore’s civil unrest. I look forward to working with all of the stakeholders to help craft solutions and serve as a resource for our city.”
“I could not be more pleased that Shelonda is stepping in during this challenging time for our country and our organization,” Fowler said. “She knows The Partnership, the city, and is a long-time Downtown Baltimore business leader. Her expansive talents and a strong sense of judgment will be invaluable assets to the Downtown community.”
The search for Fowler’s replacement was in its final stages when Coronavirus-related restrictions were announced by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young.
Downtown Partnership of Baltimore is a non-profit corporation creating a more vibrant Downtown community for businesses, property owners, residents, and employees. Through its many initiatives, Downtown Partnership improves Downtown’s quality of life by increasing investment, retaining business, solving transportation challenges, improving parks and green space, and creating workforce development opportunities. For more than 30 years, these programs have been good for Downtown and good for Baltimore.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, www.GoDowntownBaltimore.com
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