Ohio Main Street Executive Directors

Hailey Helter is a proud Coshocton native and graduate of Coshocton High School, Hailey brings both personal passion and professional experience to her role. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Ashland University and has built a strong foundation in economic development through her work with the Coshocton Port Authority, along with experience in real estate and retail. Hailey started her role as Executive Director in September 2025. Hailey is grateful to be in a position within her community where she works to improve it everyday.

Contact Info:
ourtownexecdirector@gmail.com
(220) 777-6012

Hailey has been executive director since 2025

Courtney Graf stepped into the Executive Director role at Main Street Delaware in 2022, where she leads efforts to strengthen and promote a vibrant, thriving downtown. She oversees more than 60 annual events, along with beautification initiatives and historic preservation and education programs that celebrate the community’s character.

Prior to this role, Courtney served as Economic Development Project Manager for the City of Delaware, supporting business expansion and retention while helping secure more than $350,000 in pandemic-related grant funding for 49 local businesses.

Courtney brings a strong background in Main Street programming, with earlier experience at Downtown PKB in Parkersburg, West Virginia. There, she developed expertise in event planning, marketing, fundraising, sponsorship development, and social media management— experience that continues to shape her collaborative, community-driven approach.

A graduate of Ohio Northern University (Go Polar Bears!), Courtney earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Marketing and Social Media in 2017. Originally from Marietta, Ohio, she immediately felt at home in Delaware and has since become deeply committed to its continued growth and success.

She is passionate about connecting businesses, residents, and visitors, and is dedicated to preserving Delaware’s historic charm while fostering innovation and opportunity.

Contact Info:
director@mainstreetdelaware.com
(740) 362-6050

Courtney has been executive director since 2022.

Heather Malarcik is the Executive Director of Main Street Kent, where she leads efforts to promote, revitalize, and enhance downtown Kent. A graduate of Kent State University, she has a background in marketing and advertising and has been with Main Street Kent since 2011, becoming director shortly after.

In her role, Malarcik oversees community events, public art initiatives, and business support programs that drive economic growth and create a vibrant downtown experience. Known for her collaborative leadership, she works closely with local businesses, volunteers, and university partners to strengthen connections and bring energy and innovation to the Kent community.

Contact Info:
heather@mainstreetkent.org
(330) 677-8000

Heather has been executive director since 2011

Max has been with Main Street Lorain for 5 years and is Lorain’s biggest fan! Born and raised in the International City, Max prioritizes service to his neighbors and community. In addition to serving as Main Street Lorain’s Executive Director, Max currently holds volunteers on the Board of Trustees for the Lorain Public Library System, Keep Lorain County Beautiful Board, Black River AOC Advisory Committee, the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer board, and the NOACA Emerging Leaders Council.

Max lives in Lorain with his wife and two kids.

Contact Info:
Director@DowntownLorain.com
(440) 865-2421

Max has been executive director since 2021

Jen Tinkler has served as Executive Director of Marietta Main Street since February 2022, following a year on the organization’s Board of Directors. She is an active and engaged community leader, serving on the Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Historic Harmar Bridge Company Board of Directors, and the Marietta-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors.

In 2024, Jen was named Ohio Main Street Director of the Year by Heritage Ohio, recognizing her leadership and dedication to downtown revitalization. Her community involvement extends across education and athletics as well—she received the Marietta College Lindsley Community Partner Award for her collaborative work with college programs and was inducted into the Marietta College Athletic Hall of Fame for her achievements as a student-athlete. In 2023, she was also honored with the “Breaking the Glass Ceiling” Award by West Virginia University at Parkersburg.

Committed to service and partnership, Jen continues to champion the growth, vibrancy, and long-term vitality of downtown Marietta.

Contact Info:
director@mariettamainstreet.org
(740) 885-8194

Jen has been executive director since 2022.

Allen Wilson is a lifelong Marion resident with a deep-rooted passion for his community and its continued growth. A graduate of River Valley High School, Allen has dedicated much of his time to supporting local initiatives and strengthening community connections.

He currently serves as Executive Director of Downtown Marion, Inc., where he leads efforts to revitalize and promote the downtown district. In addition to his professional role, Allen is actively involved in local organizations, including serving as President of the Marion Harding Athletic Boosters, where he supports student-athletes and school programs.

Allen and his wife, Megan, are proud parents to their two sons, Joshua and Finn. Outside of his work in Marion, he enjoys traveling with his family and exploring downtown communities across the United States, drawing inspiration from their unique character and energy to bring new ideas back home.

Contact Info:
awilson@downtownmarion.com
(740) 802-7329

Allen has been executive director since 2022

George is a 15-year resident of Medina with bachelor’s degrees in marketing and graphic design. Retired from FirstEnergy in 2018 after 38 years, George was hired by Main Street Medina in 2018 as Project Manager for the new South Town District prior to becoming Executive Director in 2022.

Contact Info:
george@mainstreetmedina.com
(330) 722-6186

George has been executive director since 2022

Jeff Payne refers to himself as an ‘Ole School’ City Planner. He has an undergraduate degree in Urban Planning from the University of Cincinnati and a Master’s Degree in Management from Antioch Midwest McGreger University (Yellow Springs, Ohio). The first half of his career he worked in County, and City Government. Initially working as a Grants Manager for Montgomery County Ohio CDBG program, he then fulfilled his dream to be a City Planner working twenty years for his hometown of Dayton, Ohio. Among his many accomplishments was the development of the founding structure for the Wright-Dunbar Commercial District, initially using the Main Street approach.

He later worked for Greater Dayton Premier Management Housing Authority (DMHA) as project manager for their Hope VI mixed-finance development project. He also worked for the Tawawa Community Development Corporation in Wilberforce, Ohio. Jeff has been an adjunct professor for Clark State, and Wilberforce Universities. He has also served on a number of community non-profit boards in Dayton and served eleven years on the City of Dayton Plan Board. Jeff started working for Downtown Middletown Inc. in 2017.

Jeff’s personal pursuits are serving at his home church, listing to music – especially jazz, reading books on African American History and spending quiet time with his family.

Contact Info:
jeff@downtownmiddletown.org
(513) 464-2527

Jeff has been executive director since 2017

Taylor Reining has been serving as the Executive Director of Historic Downtown Millersburg since March 2024. Formerly employed by the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau, she brings experience in marketing, tourism, nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and a variety of other skillsets necessary for positively leading a Main Street organization.

As a transplant to Millersburg, Taylor enjoys learning more about the community each and every day. She is passionate about bringing positive energy and excitement to Downtown Millersburg, creating a welcoming place for everyone to enjoy!

Contact Info:
director@historicdowntownmillersburg.com
3306742412

Taylor has been executive director since 2024

I’d prefer to talk about a perfect day in downtown Piqua. It all starts with a Highlander Grogg, extra-large, from Winan’s and a breakfast sandwich from Bits & Pieces; they know exactly what I want. Then a stroll down Main Street where I see flowers blooming and business owners opening their shops. There aren’t any meetings on the calendar, thank goodness, so the day will be filled with “popping” into all of my favorite downtown businesses, which is all of them, to catch up on how they are doing and if there is anything MainStreet Piqua can do for them. I may get a little shopping done too because Miami River Soaps always has a new lotion scent and I’m sure to find the perfect house plant at Genell’s or Lemon Meringue. As the sun shines and shoppers are strolling down the street sharing a laugh with their friends, I think to myself, “what a perfect day.” The day ends with a chocolate milkshake from Susie’s Big Dipper.

Contact Info:
staci@mainstreetpiqua.com
(937) 773-9355

Staci has been executive director since 2024

Donna Gross has served as Downtown Tiffin Main Street Manager since 2023, a role within the Seneca County Collaborative. She leads the Downtown Main Street Program in partnership with Heritage Ohio, using the nationally recognized Four Point Approach to strengthen economic vitality, support small businesses, and preserve the historic character of downtown Tiffin.

In addition to her work in downtown development, Donna is an entrepreneur and owner of Relevé Barre Studio, located in the historic Laird Building. This experience gives her a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses.

Donna is actively involved in the community through service on several boards and commissions, including the City of Tiffin’s Architectural Board of Review, the Tiffin Arts Partnership Program, the City of Tiffin Tree Commission, and the Seneca County Tourism Board. She also serves as a mentor with the Seneca County CEO Program and volunteers at the historic Ritz Theatre, supporting local arts and culture.

She is a graduate of Heidelberg University, where she earned degrees in Business Administration and Public Relations. Donna is also the proud mother of two sons, both Heidelberg graduates.

Contact Info:
dgross@oneseneca.org
(419) 447-4141

Donna has been executive director since 2023

Tasha Weaver serves as Executive Director of the Downtown Tipp City Partnership, where she works to enhance, preserve, and promote Tipp City through community engagement, historic preservation, economic development, and downtown revitalization. Since stepping into the role in 2023, she has focused on strengthening partnerships, growing community pride, helping position Tipp City as a welcoming destination for both residents and visitors, and building a sustainable organization that can continue serving the community for years to come.

Before joining DTCP, Tasha built a career in travel, event planning, marketing, and writing. She brings a storyteller’s perspective to downtown revitalization, believing strong communities are built through shared experiences, authentic relationships, and a deep appreciation for local history and culture.

When she is not working downtown, Tasha enjoys travel, writing, golf, and exploring small towns. She is currently on a mission to visit all 50 states by age 50 and believes some of the best stories are found in historic downtowns.

Contact Info
tasha@downtowntippcity.org
(937) 667-0883

Tasha has been executive director since 2023

Amy Breinich serves as Executive Director of Troy Main Street, where she leads strategic initiatives that strengthen downtown Troy’s economic vitality, historic character, and community connection. A nonprofit leader with extensive experience in organizational strategy, event production, and place-based development, Breinich focuses on supporting small businesses, building cross-sector partnerships, and creating programs that position downtown districts as vibrant centers of civic life. Her leadership emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and measurable community impact through preservation-based economic development.

Before joining Troy Main Street, Breinich was the founding executive director of Sidney Alive, where she guided transformative placemaking initiatives and helped advance revitalization strategies that earned statewide recognition, including Heritage Ohio’s Best Downtown Placemaking Award and regional nonprofit honors. She began her role in Troy in late 2024, continuing her work at the intersection of historic preservation, entrepreneurship support, and community-driven programming that brings energy and investment back into legacy downtown spaces.

Breinich also contributes to statewide revitalization efforts as a member of the Ohio Main Street Managers Advisory Committee through Heritage Ohio, where she collaborates with peer directors to help shape policy, training, and strategy for Main Street communities across Ohio. Known for her commitment to partnership-based leadership and strong local identity, she continues to champion the idea that thriving downtowns serve as the social and economic heartbeats of their communities.

Contact Info:
amy@troymainstreet.org
(937) 339-5455

Amy has been executive director since 2024

Mitch Price serves as the Director of Historic Main Street Van Wert, where he brings a deep-rooted passion for his community and a strong commitment to revitalizing the downtown district. Born and raised in Van Wert, Mitch has a lifelong connection to the area and takes great pride in contributing to its growth and vibrancy.

A graduate of Van Wert High School and Wright State University, Mitch combines his education with a hands-on approach to community development. His leadership is driven by a genuine enthusiasm for bringing people together, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the overall downtown experience.

Mitch is married and a proud father of three awesome kids, who continue to inspire his dedication to making Van Wert a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

Contact Info:
director@mainstreetvanwert.org
(419) 238-6911

Mitch has been executive director since 2021

Kate Repola is Executive Director of Main Street Vermilion, where she leads community revitalization efforts, downtown development initiatives, and programs that support local businesses and preserve Vermilion’s historic character. A fifth-generation Vermilionite, Kate brings deep local roots and a strong commitment to promoting the community she calls home.

She holds a BA in Journalism from Bowling Green State University with an emphasis in Public Relations and a minor in Political Science. In addition to her work with Main Street Vermilion, Kate serves on the Erie County Community Foundations Board of Directors and as Vice President of the Heritage Ohio Main Street Managers Advisory Committee. She also previously served on the Vermilion Parks and Recreation Board, first as a member and later as Chair.

Kate and her husband, Kurt , have two children, Max and Georgia, both attending Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Contact Info:
kate@mainstreetvermilion.org
(440) 963-0772

Kate has been executive director since 2023

Megan joined the staff of Main Street Wadsworth in 2024 and currently serves as the Executive Director of the organization. In her position, she oversees all of Main Street Wadsworth’s operations, including community outreach, committees, events, marketing, and collaborations with the City of Wadsworth.

A dedicated professional, Harvey previously was with the Akron Civic Theatre from 2018 to 2024, and served in multiple capacities, including the organization’s Development Manager of Foundation and Individual Giving. During her tenure at the Civic, she was crucial in producing theatrical works, supporting the nonprofit’s $8.5 million capital campaign, and establishing the CivicGo! membership program.

Ms. Harvey graduated from Ashland University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies in Theatre & Business Management. Underscoring her dedication to community service and her ability to connect with diverse stakeholders, her civic activities include the Akron Civic Theatre Women’s Guild, Northeast Ohio Dance, Wadsworth Footlighters, Torchbearers, Wadsworth Lions, and Wadsworth Rotary. In 2024 she was recognized as one of the Greater Akron Chamber’s 30 For The Future.

When not in downtown Wadsworth, she loves to attend theatre productions, listening to true-crime podcasts and spending time with her family. Megan currently resides in Wadsworth, Ohio a short drive from the horse farm her family owns in Medina, Ohio.

Contact Info:
mharvey@mainstreetwadsworth.org
(330) 331-4414

Megan has been executive director since 2024

As Program Director for Main Street Wellington, Deanna Marley brings creativity, ambition, and contagious enthusiasm to the organization and the community she proudly calls home. A lifelong Wellington resident, Deanna was born and raised in the village, giving her a deep appreciation for its rich history, local businesses, and the people who make it such a special place.

While new to the Main Street community, Deanna is excited to embrace the opportunities that come with the role and help foster stronger connections among Wellington’s businesses, organizations, and residents. She is passionate about creating engaging experiences, building meaningful partnerships, and finding innovative ways to support local businesses and strengthen Wellington’s downtown district.

Known for her bubbly personality and positive outlook, Deanna believes that collaboration, creativity, and community spirit are the foundation of a thriving Main Street. She is eager to bring fresh ideas, new energy, and a welcoming presence to the organization while honoring the traditions and hometown charm that make Wellington a place people are proud to call home.

Contact Info
director@mainstreetwellington.org
(440) 647-3987

Deanna has been executive director since 2026

Lynn Aventino is the Executive Director of Uptown Westerville Inc., a nationally accredited Main Street America organization in Westerville, Ohio. With a background in engineering, marketing, and nonprofit leadership, she specializes in downtown revitalization, strategic partnerships, and community-driven economic development. Lynn has led significant growth in programming, events, and district visibility—positioning Uptown Westerville as a vibrant regional destination. She is passionate about building sustainable Main Street models that support small businesses and foster strong public-private collaboration.

Contact Info:
dir@uptownwestervilleinc.com
(614) 354-2713

Lynn has been executive director since 2017

Shannon Waller has served as Main Street Wooster’s Executive Director since 2019. Her prior leadership roles include COO of the Humane Society of Summit County, Executive Director of the Medina County SPCA, and President of Team Dynamics, a national wholesale company founded by her father. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce and the Wooster Rotary Club. She grew up in Doylestown, Ohio, attended college in Santa Barbara, and graduated from Hastings College of Law in San Francisco.

Contact Info:
shannon@mainstreetwooster.org
(330) 262-6222

Shannon has been executive director since 2019