Staff

	Suzie Graham, President & CEO sgraham@downtownakron.com Suzie Graham became the president of the Downtown Akron Partnership in April 2011. She oversees all aspects of the operations of DAP to promote, build and maintain a clean, safe and vibrant Downtown. Suzie's career spans over eighteen years of service to the community including planning and oversight of programs and events for the City of Akron. Most recently, she served the City of Akron as the Coordinator of Arts and Children’s Programs for the Office of the Mayor. Suzie celebrates her love for the community through volunteer projects and service to local non-profit organizations. She has served on the Executive Board of the Akron Area Arts Alliance and currently serves as the Secretary of the Board of Trustees for the Akron Civic Theatre.
	Kimberly Beckett, Director of Business Relations kbeckett@downtownakron.com Kimberly Beckett works closely with Downtown stakeholders through business and property owner retention surveys and one-on-one interviews. She assists businesses in troubleshooting problems with local government as well as supporting economic development activities. Additionally, she contributes to all marketing and promotion events throughout the year. Kimberly received her Bachelors Degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison and completed her Masters in Public Administration at the University of Akron.
	Linda Fry, Project Director lfry@downtownakron.com Linda Fry has been involved in event planning and implementation for more than 20 years at The University of Akron, The National Inventors Hall of Fame and Downtown Akron Partnership. She also taught government and journalism courses at the university and was a DAP volunteer for many years prior to joining the staff in 2005. Linda maintains the property records of the Special Improvement District, writes grants and surveys and serves as liaison with the DAP's safety program, including coordinating Block Watch meetings and preparing safety literature and e-mail safety and traffic alerts. If you're not fortunate enough to be on this coveted list, e-mail Linda.
	Sharon Gillberg, Communications Director sgillberg@downtownakron.com Sharon Gillberg joined Downtown Akron Partnership in August 2012. She manages DAP’s marketing, public relations, social media and advertising initiatives and provides support for DAP events and programs. A native of Indiana who relocated to Akron in 1999, Sharon has been involved in event management and marketing for more than 15 years with non-profit trade associations and event/exposition companies. Sharon earned a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University’s journalism program with a major in advertising and public relations. She currently serves on the volunteer board for Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) and is a committee member for the Make-A-Wish Foundation® Akron Walk-for-Wishes.
	Rich Hoselton, Director of Events rhoselton@downtownakron.com Rich has been working in the non-profit sector for over 30 years and has created several successful events, including; the United Way’s Amazing Race, the American Cancer Society Bids & Bites, The North Coast Men’s Chorus Hearts on Fire and more. He has also served on the steering committee for Hudson-Stow Relay for Life, sat on the Board of Directors for the North Coast Men’s Chorus as Development Chair, and served on the executive board of the Community AIDS Network. Rich graduated from Malone University with a Bachelor of Arts in management and computer science and also received his MBA from Malone University. Rich joined Downtown Akron Partnership in the summer of 2011 after working in the business world for over 30 years as a systems analysts, financial analyst, and workforce manager. He is looking forward to bringing some of his zany and crazy event ideas to fruition.
	Holly Mattucci, Director of Finance finance@downtownakron.com Holly Mattucci has been the Business Manager at Downtown Akron Partnership for ten years. She has over 25 years of experience in financial management, bookkeeping, office management and internal auditing. She is a member of the National Bookkeepers Association.
	Jane Startzman, Volunteer Coordinator Jane Startzman has been Volunteer Coordinator for five years, and has grown a volunteer staff for downtown events from approximately 150 to over 600. She manages volunteers for Downtown Akron Partnership, Akron Civic Theatre, and the City of Akron’s Lock 3. With over 40 years experience in the non-profit arts sector, she has a strong background in dance, event planning, staff management, administration, public relations, fund raising, and grant writing. She has a broad knowledge of the Downtown Akron area, with a strong network of diverse community leaders and residents. She has demonstrated commitment to improving the quality of life in the Akron urban area through creating/planning/coordinating events, directing the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival and working with the city of Akron and her neighbors on a volunteer basis.
Clean & Safe Ambassador Program
	Keith Dobbins, Operations Manager kdobbins@downtownakron.com Keith became the Operations Manager of the Clean and Safe Ambassador program in October 2012. He first joined the team in August 2010 as a safety ambassador and was promoted to team leader in 2011. As Operations Manager, he is responsible for oversight and administration of day-to-day operations and training of DAP's ambassadors. Born and raised in Akron, he has worked in a variety of industries ranging from a carpenter, to serving for 10 years in the United States Air Force as well as supervisor positions with Pinkerton Security and Loral Defense Systems.