Publication Date: 11-04-2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Michael Tierney
(502) 587-7220
LOUISVILLE DOWNTOWN PARTERSHIP NAMES REBECCA FLEISCHAKERÂ AS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTORÂ
Fleischaker will use decades of public service and economic development experience to grow LDP capabilities and outcomes
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Louisville, Ky. (November 1, 2021) – Following an extensive national search, the Louisville Downtown Partnership (LDP) announced today that Rebecca Fleischaker will be the next leader of the organization. Fleischaker has a long, successful history of public service and economic development most recently serving as the co-chief of Louisville Forward and director of the city’s economic development department.
“We’re thrilled that Ms. Fleischaker will be joining LDP as our new executive director,” said Tim Mulloy, board chair of the Louisville Downtown Development Corporation and Stan Moore, board chair of the Louisville Downtown Management District. “Her passion for Downtown and her experience at Louisville Forward make her uniquely qualified to manage the opportunities we have in front of us.”
Fleischaker has served the city of Louisville for nearly 22 years, starting in the press office under Mayor Armstrong in 2000, and moving through the ranks of the Department of Economic Development during the tenures of mayors Abramson and Fischer. She was named deputy director in 2014 with the creation of the city’s new economic and community development agency Louisville Forward, promoted to director in January 2019, and named co-chief of Louisville Forward in December 2020, while maintaining her role as director. Under her direction, the Economic Development team landed more than 9,400 new jobs and nearly $3 billion in investment, was named a Top Economic Development Organization by Site Selection magazine every year, managed business COVID response through the Small Business Development COVID-19 Relief Grant and Loan programs, helping 900 small businesses, and helped create a Minority Business Incubator and new loan and grant programs focused on minority business development. Fleischaker holds a Master of Public Administration from the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration at the University of Kentucky and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Miami University.
“Downtown is the community’s front door and a significant economic generator for the region and the state. I’ve always seen it as a walkable, architecturally-significant and important center to our community, a place where we can be together, whether it’s for work, tourism, or entertainment,” said Rebecca Fleischaker. “I’m very excited to lead this organization at a crucial time of Downtown’s next renaissance, to make it the most vibrant, welcoming, and authentic place it can be.”
“Rebecca is one of Louisville’s biggest champions, always swinging for the fences for our residents, businesses of all sizes, and visitors,” said Mayor Fischer. “After more than two decades serving the people of Louisville, most recently as the co-chief of Louisville Forward, I’m excited for Rebecca to take her energy, expertise and love for this city to Louisville Downtown Partnership to further grow the core of our city and make it an equitable place for all to enjoy. I want to thank Bill Schreck for stepping up to lead the agency in the interim as the city reopened and welcomed back visitors downtown. A strong and vibrant downtown is vital for the economic success of our city, region and state.”
Fleischaker will be joining the organization in December.
About LDP:
LDP is the dynamic organization that drives economic growth in Downtown for the benefit of the entire region, and oversees multiple street-level enhancements that help establish Louisville’s distinctive character and widespread appeal. LDP believes the economic engine of any great city starts with a strong Downtown.
For interview requests, contact Michael Tierney at (502) 587-7220.
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