Downtown Neighborhood Association leader moving to Sherman

After four years as executive director of Elgin’s Downtown Neighborhood Association, Tonya Hudson will take a position as Sherman Health’s director of marketing communications next month.

Hudson, 32, was selected among 57 applicants for the position that had been vacant since February, when Christine Priester took a corporate marketing job with Advocate Health Care, said Sherman Health Vice President of Business Development Mary Martini. Hudson’s first day is May 21.

“We believe she’s going to be a great addition to our leadership team, enhancing communications and facilitating our strategic plan going forward,” Martini said. “We’re so excited to have her. She seems very dynamic and enthusiastic, and we’re grateful for her marketing expertise.”

Hudson was hired by DNA in October 2007 after serving as director of marketing and communications for Judson University in Elgin. She is a Judson graduate, and was born and raised in Elgin.

“I feel that I have a lot to offer in the area of marketing and communications, and I’m still able to give back to my community. It was an opportunity that I wanted to take advantage of personally and for my family,” Hudson said.

Both Hudson and Martini declined to say what Hudson’s salary will be.

The DNA, housed in Elgin’s iconic Tower Building, has a staff of four and about 100 core volunteers, plus many more who are involved in specific events like Fourth of July celebrations, Hudson said.

During her tenure, the DNA began working closely with the city on economic development strategies, Hudson said. The focuses have been on bringing technology-based companies to downtown and supporting the arts through events and bringing arts-oriented businesses to Elgin, she said.

“I am most proud staff and board and volunteers working together to retain DNA’s sort of ‘rebel independent spirit’ while at same time enhancing its reputation and credibility as a leading community organization,” she said. The DNA has not yet started the search for a new executive director, Hudson said.

The DNA will host a send-off party titled “A Toast to Tonya” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 10 at Villa Verone, 13 Douglas Ave., Elgin.