Downtown Naperville Alliance picks Dawn Portner as new executive director
The Downtown Naperville Alliance Board of Directors selected Dawn Portner as the organization’s new executive director.
Portner brings considerable experience and an understanding of the Naperville community to her new role. She now serves as the Naperville city clerk and has held a variety of positions with the city throughout her career.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dawn to the Downtown Naperville Alliance,” DNA board Chairman Joseph Tota said in a news release. “Her extensive experience with the city of Naperville, her knowledge of our community and her commitment to Naperville make her an outstanding fit to lead DNA into its next chapter. We are excited about the energy and perspective she will bring to the organization and look forward to all that is ahead.”
Portner will succeed longtime DNA Executive Director Katie Wood, who will transition into a consultative role with the organization as she begins semi-retirement.
Wood has been a longstanding leader and champion for downtown Naperville, helping guide the Downtown Naperville Alliance through years of growth, change and opportunity. Her leadership has played an important role in strengthening the organization, supporting downtown businesses, and promoting downtown Naperville as a vibrant destination for residents, visitors and businesses alike, according to the release.
“Katie has made an incredible impact on the Downtown Naperville Alliance and on downtown Naperville as a whole,” Tota said. “Her dedication, passion and leadership have helped make DNA the organization it is today. While we are excited to welcome Dawn, we are equally grateful that Katie will remain connected to the organization in a consultative capacity. Her knowledge and experience will be invaluable as we move forward.”
The transition will allow DNA to build on the foundation established under Wood’s leadership, he added.
“I am incredibly excited to join the Downtown Naperville Alliance and become part of an organization that plays such an important role in our community,” Portner said. “Downtown Naperville is a special place, and I look forward to working alongside our businesses, community partners and the DNA team to continue building on its success.”
Wood said she is looking forward to the next chapter while remaining connected to the organization she has served for many years.
“It has been an honor to lead the Downtown Naperville Alliance and work alongside the incredible businesses, partners and community members who make downtown Naperville so special,” Wood said.
Portner will officially begin her role with DNA on Sept. 14.