DOWNTOWN AUSTIN ALLIANCE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the Built Environment Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Built Environment Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Active Urbanism Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Active Urbanism Committee
As the Urban Design Manager at the Downtown Austin Alliance, Amalia brings her background practicing as a licensed architect and urban designer to downtown Austin. She works at multiple urban scales and brings her design lens to a variety of placemaking, planning and mobility projects, from art-based activations to regional-scaled infrastructure investments.
Amalia brings a multi-disciplinary approach to her work, overseeing community engagement, inclusive design development, and implementation. Her graphic skills visualize the future of downtown Austin, while also communicating and coordinating critical projects with the community. In addition to managing downtown urban projects, Amalia helps lead the organization's Built Environment and Mobility Committees.
A Texas native, Amalia moved to Austin after the completion of her master's degree. Her favorite things to do downtown include discovering a new book at Central Library, catching a show at the Moody Amphitheatre, and morning runs around Lady Bird Lake.
Hey there! I'm the Activation Coordinator for the Active Urbanism team, and I'm here to make sure all our awesome programs run smoothly and provide essential administrative support. My journey began amidst the vibrant streets of Brooklyn, where I learned to cherish diversity and close-knit communities. Being a harmonizer at heart, I absolutely thrive on creating connections and authenticity.
Some of my favorite moments have been on a park bench either lending a friendly ear or simply people-watching, soaking in the stories of those passing by. I've got a treasure trove of tales stored up! I'm the kind of person who always has an interesting story up their sleeve and isn't afraid to chat your ear off.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant
- Office Manager
Amy oversees the daily ebb and flow of the DAA offices and assists in co-ordinating event activities and volunteer opportunities for staff. Having spent the past decade working in Austin's vibrant live music industry, Amy is excited to offer support to a team that promotes an elevated downtown experience for Austin artists, musicians, residents and tourists. She has lived in Austin for over twenty five years and is proud to be a part of the Downtown Austin Alliance's vison of community for all.
Her favorite things to do downtown include attending live music shows, biking on the hike and bike trail, kayaking on Lady Bird lake and exploring the many culinary delights downtown has to offer.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Active Urbanism Committee
Angela Navarro was born and raised in New Jersey. After High School, she moved to the sunny state of Florida to pursue her Bachelor's Degree in Communications with a focus on Public Relations and a minor in Marketing from Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) in Fort Myers, Florida.
During her time at FGCU, Navarro contributed to a few professional organizations through volunteer work. She joined the Florida Public Relations Association as Treasurer and quickly became President of the chapter. She also volunteered at a local children's shelter - Youth Have, Inc. Following her graduation from FGCU, Angela obtained an internship with Youth Haven, Inc. and then became Development and Outreach Coordinator.
After living in Florida for almost 8 years, it was time for a change of scenery. Angela took another leap and moved to Austin, Texas where she went to work for the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors as their Marketing & Communications Coordinator. To help get acclimated to the area Angela joined a few professional development organizations like: The Young Hispanic Professional Association of Austin (YHPAA) and joined their board as their Marketing Chair and two years after became the President of YHPAA. Angela also joined the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) - Austin Chapter's Marketing Committee. The following year she became the DE&I Chair and is currently the President of the Austin Chapter.
When Angela is not busy with her professional development organizations, she is spending time with her family and recharging with many of her crafting hobbies.
Her favorite things to do downtown include:
Take the CapMetro Rail Downtown. It's a great experience, incredibly convenient and a great way to get downtown.
Red River Cultural District is one of her favorite districts in downtown. Whenever someone comes in from out of town, she always recommends they go out on Red River and it never disappoints.
Paramount Theatre is one of her favorite iconic Austin institutions. We have been collaborating with them recently and it is impressive to see all the amazing projects they work on to help keep Austin thriving.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Public Space Experience Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Active Urbanism Committee
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
For the past two decades, Bill has worked to build relationships with all member property owners and key stakeholders. He was responsible for successfully leading the petitioning process to renew the Downtown Public Improvement District for another 10-year term, which was approved by Austin City Council in June 2022.
Bill has been recognized for his work on the issue of homelessness and, on behalf of the Downtown Alliance, has led and participated in many collaborative initiatives that have resulted in the creation of the Homelessness Outreach Street Team (HOST), the rescoping of the ARCH management contract, and fundraising for a number of key programs and initiatives including Community First! Village, the Terrace at Oak Springs housing first project, and the creation of the Trinity Center Family Reunification Partnership.
Bill's favorite things to do downtown are bass fishing on Lady Bird Lake, jogging on the hike and bike trail, and enjoying Thai Thursday lunch at Royal Blue Grocery.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Public Space Experience Committee
- Owner
- Property Director
- Resident
Job Titles:
- Member of the Mobility Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Built Environment Committee
Job Titles:
- Director of Downtown Experience
- Director of Public Space Experience
As Director Of Downtown Experience at the Downtown Austin Alliance, Brandon brings his experience in organizational management and relationship building to downtown Austin.
Brandon oversees Downtown Austin Alliance's Clean and Safe programs, with the goal of creating a safe and welcoming downtown for everyone.
Brandon's favorite things about downtown include:
Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge: Enjoy the amazing views of downtown (day or night). Lady Bird Lake and the hike and bike trails are easily accessible from the bridge. Barton Springs Pool is a short walk away.
Texas Capitol: Free daily guided tours of the Texas Capitol. The building has been carefully restored, while leaving the 1930's art deco terrazzo floors in place..
The Downtown Ambassadors: The ambassadors make downtown a welcoming place for everyone.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Built Environment Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Built Environment Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Built Environment Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Mobility Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Active Urbanism Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Mobility Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Built Environment Committee
- Property Director
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Member of the Executive Committee
- President
Dewitt "De" Peart became the President and CEO of the Downtown Austin Alliance in February 2015. The Downtown Alliance is engaged in dozens of projects and issues that contribute to the quality development, mobility, safety, cleanliness, and attractiveness of downtown Austin for investors, businesses, employees, residents, and visitors. He guides the Downtown Alliance's vision and strategy, ensures the organization's fiscal health, and represents a board of directors focused on the creating, preserving and enhancing the vibe, value and vitality of downtown Austin.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Mobility Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Built Environment Committee
Emily Risinger is Planning + Urban Design Director at Downtown Austin Alliance. Her expertise in participatory planning and design shines through her ability to build partnerships, not just projects.
Emily is a proud double graduate of University of Texas at Austin (B.S. Urban Studies; M.S. Community + Regional Planning). Her work and contributions to the quality of life and vitality of cities throughout Texas and the U.S. is recognized through many awards, publications, and speaking engagements.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Active Urbanism Committee
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- Vice President, Built Environment
Hannah Rangel joined the Downtown Austin Alliance as Vice President, Built Environment in June 2023. In her role, Hannah oversees the Built Environment priority of the strategic plan and actively assists in ensuring that the organization's overall mission and vision are achieved. This includes directly leading development and land use policy efforts, ensuring that codes and policies support downtown's growth and economic development while also meeting goals for diverse housing, affordability, storefront business, preservation and cultural venues.
Prior to joining DAA, Hannah's 20-year career has spanned residential and mixed use real estate development here in Austin and in Los Angeles, placemaking through value capture strategies in San Francisco, and historic preservation advocacy at a national scale from Washington D.C. Throughout her career, Hannah has pursued her "passion for place" and the belief that crafting our built environment comes with immense responsibility. Hannah received her BA in Anthropology from Pomona College and a Masters in Urban Planning from the USC Price School of Public Policy.
Outside of work, Hannah enjoys spending time with her wife, their wild twins, and their equally wild golden retriever. Cooking, hiking, and hitting the 9 th Street BMX park are usually on their weekend agenda.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Active Urbanism Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Active Urbanism Committee
- Member of the Finance Committee
- Property Director
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- Member of the Governance Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Built Environment Committee
Job Titles:
- Officer
- Chief Impact Officer
Jenell Moffett is the Chief Impact Officer for the Downtown Austin Alliance. She implements tactical solutions, driving and supporting the design, development, and progression of strategic initiatives for downtown Austin; by way of communication, research, storytelling, benchmarking effective practices, and leadership. Ultimately to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and prosperity for all - in downtown, Austin.
For more than 7 years, Jenell has amplified downtown Austin's economic, demographic, and social contexts through research, effective communication, and value-driven initiatives. She volunteers on several non-profit boards and serves as a spokesperson for various events, conferences, and panels.
Prior to her work with the Downtown Alliance, Jenell worked for the City of Austin for over 10 years. During her time there, she worked as an Engineering Associate with Austin Water Utility and a Senior Business Systems Analyst with the Office of Sustainability.
Jenell has her bachelor's degree in urban studies from the University of Texas at Austin, master's in business administration from Concordia University Texas-Austin, and certification in Equitable Community Change from Cornell University.
Jenell is married to Harry; and they have four children: Genesis, Zion, Trinity, and Champion. Her favorite things to do downtown are attending a performance at Moody Center or Waterloo Greenway Amphitheatre, going to Austin Central Library, or enjoying a staycation at a downtown hotel.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Built Environment Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Public Space Experience Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Public Space Experience Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Built Environment Committee
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Finance Committee
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Member of the Public Space Experience Committee
- Treasurer of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Governance Committee
- Property Director
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Governance Committee
- Member of the Active Urbanism Committee
- Vice Chair of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Mobility Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Public Space Experience Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Finance Committee
- Member of the Public Space Experience Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Mobility Committee
I'm Leta Harrison, a photographer, mom, nature enthusiast, and the Project Manager for the Active Urbanism Program for Downtown Austin Alliance. You can call me by the pronouns she/her. Originally raised in Washington DC, I made the exciting move to Austin in 2019 and have been proud to call it home ever since.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Public Space Experience Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Active Urbanism Committee
Job Titles:
- Economic Development Research Manager
As the Economic Development Research Manager, Luke's role within the Alliance is to implement the research vision by delivering multiple deliverables throughout the year, including the State of Downtown report, quarterly report updates, flash reports, and the annual Storefront Inventory report. As the state of downtown continues to evolve, Luke will provide information focused on the issues of public space experiences, the built environment, and mobility issues in the future.
Luke's favorite things to do downtown include visiting the State Capitol (where he spent six months as a tour guide fresh out of college), walking and scootering around the streets to look at new development activity, and having workweek lunches at different restaurants.
Prior to joining the Downtown Alliance, Luke worked as a Senior Research Analyst for commercial real estate firms for seven years. He worked as Senior Research Analyst at Jones Lang LaSalle on the national industrial team, and as a Senior Research Analyst at CBRE, focused on the office, industrial, and retail lines of business for Central Texas. Luke has his bachelor's degree in History from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Master's of Science in Finance and Real Estate from Texas Tech University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Public Space Experience Committee
Job Titles:
- Leader
- V.P. of Resource Development
- Vice President, Resource Development
As V.P. of Resource Development, Marilyn strives to build a diverse community of supporters and advocates for the mission of Downtown Austin Alliance: to create, enhance, and preserve the vibe, vitality, and value of downtown for everyone.
With 20 years of experience building support for amazing local nonprofits, Marilyn is a passionate nonprofit leader, collaborator, and community supporter. Marilyn's calling was always evident to those who knew her or volunteered with her, and they were not surprised to learn she earned a Certified Fund-Raising Executive (C.F.R.E.) designation after her first decade of nonprofit work. Marilyn motivates individuals and institutions to engage and support our downtown projects through inspiring conversations and authentic stewardship. Marilyn is devoted to helping people live life to their fullest and leave our community better than we found it.
Marilyn is married to Matt, and they have two children attending the University of Texas at Austin.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Active Urbanism Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Governance Committee
- Member of the Public Space Experience Committee
- Property Director
Job Titles:
- Member of the Active Urbanism Committee
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Public Affairs
As VP of Public Affairs, Matt leads our advocacy and influence initiatives and serves as a key connector between policy leaders and the Downtown Austin Alliance leadership. Additionally, he leads our Mobility objectives which seek to make Downtown easier and more enjoyable to access and move within, has enhanced pedestrian and transportation facilities, and improved connections to neighboring communities.
Since joining the Downtown Austin Alliance in Spring 2023, Matt successfully led the organization's Project Connect Preferred Alignment strategy and is currently leading advocacy efforts on the Palm District Plan, and state approval of the I-35 CapEx Central project.
Prior to joining the Downtown Austin Alliance, Matt worked at various local Chambers of Commerce for over 10 years and worked for a Texas State Representative. Throughout his work, Matt successfully led and planned numerous projects including bond campaigns, legislative campaigns, public policy initiatives, and stakeholder engagement.
Outside of work Matt spends time with his wife and son as well as vegetable gardening and trail running. His favorite downtown places include the Red River Cultural District, the greenbelt, and Houndstooth Coffee.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Mobility Committee
As Chief Program Officer, Melissa is responsible for the Downtown Austin Alliance Strategic Plan and its four programmatic areas: Public Space Experience, Active Urbanism, Built Environment and Mobility. She oversees and coordinates the four programs to ensure maximum impact.
Since joining the Downtown Austin Alliance in 2009, Melissa has led a variety of visionary and transformative efforts for downtown Austin, including the development of a public-private partnership for Republic Square; the community-driven Downtown Austin Vision; the I-35 Cap and Stitch Urban Land Institute Panel; and the Downtown Parking Strategy.
As a certified planner with over 25 years of experience in public, private, and nonprofit sectors, Melissa worked with communities of all sizes on a wide range of community needs before joining the Downtown Austin Alliance.
Melissa is passionate about historic and cultural preservation and has been on the Board of Directors of Preservation Austin since 2019. Her favorite downtown places include the historic squares, the Central Library, and Houndstooth Coffee.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Built Environment Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Active Urbanism Committee
- Property Director
Job Titles:
- Member of the Mobility Committee
- Property Director
- Karlin Real Estate
Job Titles:
- Member of the Public Space Experience Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Governance Committee
Hailing from Massachusetts by way of New York City, Noah has a BS in Accounting from Bentley University and a Master in Professional Accounting degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He is a CPA licensed in the state of New York, and while there, spent time working for EY and Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
As Chief of Staff, Olivia is responsible for high-level operations, strategy, and administration ensuring that the Downtown Austin Alliance is running efficiently in alignment with our mission, vision, values, and strategic plan.
Olivia moved to Austin from Las Vegas with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in each Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the University of Nevada - Las Vegas as well as a Master of Studies in Law from the University of Southern California.
She is passionate about building community and camaraderie through supporting the places we love and hold true to our hearts. She believes that shared experiences are what give places meaning, and allow for deeper connections, and she considers herself lucky to be able to cultivate those experiences for everyone here in downtown Austin.
Her favorite places downtown (based entirely off of shared experiences) are Wax Myrtle's, Esther Follies, Higher Ground, and The Driskill.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Built Environment Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Mobility Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Public Space Experience Committee
- Property Director
- Horton Real Estate
Job Titles:
- Member of the Active Urbanism Committee
Raven creates and curates the content for the Downtown Austin Alliance's social media channels and newsletters as well as the strategies behind them. She writes most of the Downtown Austin Alliance blog content and is the staff photographer.
Raven hails from the Midwest with experience working for other downtown districts, bringing valuable experience to the team. She is passionate about small businesses, community engagement and communication. Raven has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Marketing from the University of Missouri. You can often find her in her garden with her hands in the dirt or putting her multiple fitness certifications to use at the gym, instructing classes.
Her favorite things to do downtown include paddleboarding, using the hike and bike trail, going to happy hours and concerts with friends and trying as many local restaurants as possible.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Active Urbanism Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Public Space Experience Committee
- Property Director
Job Titles:
- Member of the Finance Committee
- Member of the Public Space Experience Committee
- Property Director
Job Titles:
- Member of the Mobility Committee
Samia Burns is the Chief Financial Officer for the Downtown Austin Alliance. She oversees all the organization's financial tasks, including forecasting and analysis, budgeting, finances, invoicing, fundraising and fiscal compliance. She is also responsible for financial reports, organizational audits, tax reporting, compliance and banking relationships. As Chief Financial Officer, Samia coordinates annual work plans and develops supporting budgets while overseeing the development of enhanced systems for accounting, financial analysis, reporting revenues and expenses to support long-term organizational planning strategies and executive decision-making.
Prior to joining the Downtown Alliance, Samia worked for a long-term healthcare company for over 9 years as a business process developer throughout the South Texas region and then as a comptroller in their corporate office in Austin. Samia has her bachelor's and master's of Science from the University of North Texas.
Samia's favorite things to do downtown include walking on the trail, attending live music shows and watching movies during SXSW.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Active Urbanism Committee
- Member of the Governance Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Mobility Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Finance Committee
- Member of the Mobility Committee
- Property Director
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Downtown Resident
Job Titles:
- Member of the Built Environment Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Governance Committee
- Member of the Mobility Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Mobility Committee
- Property Director
Job Titles:
- Member of the Built Environment Committee
- Member of the Finance Committee
- Property Director
Job Titles:
- Director of Strategic Communications
Vanessa directs the external communication and marketing efforts of the Downtown Austin Alliance. Since joining the organization in 2017, Vanessa has contributed significantly to key projects including the community's Downtown Vision, two strategic plans, managing the successful 10-year authorization of the Downtown PID. Vanessa has worked to realize the Downtown Vision through co-creation of the organization's educational events and reports, including the annual Future of Downtown event annual State of Downtown report.
Prior to joining the team, Vanessa spent two years with the Seton Healthcare Family as a project manager. Before moving to Austin, Vanessa spent five years in management and political consulting, focusing on organizational development and grassroots lobbying.
Vanessa's favorite activates to enjoy downtown are ACL Live shows at the Moody Theatre, walks around Lady Bird Lake and trying the many culinary delights downtown has to discover.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- Member of the Governance Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Built Environment Committee
- Property Director
Job Titles:
- Member of the Active Urbanism Committee
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Secretary of the Executive Committee