Rochester Downtown Alliance names interim executive director

(ABC 6 News) – The Rochester Downtown Alliance board of directors on Thursday named the organization’s interim executive director.

Kathleen Harrington, will take over following the departure of Holly Masek, who was selected to be the next Port Authority Administrator for the City of Bloomington.

Harrington has been the president of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce from 2018 to 2021 and the public policy and government relations division chair at Mayo Clinic from 2011 to 2018. She also serves or has served on multiple community-based boards for Salvation Army and the Rochester Civic Theatre, among others.

“The board of directors is thrilled to welcome Kathleen as interim executive director,” said Kayla Shurson, RDA board of director’s chair. “Her experience, knowledge of the community, and ability to step in immediately will provide continuity for the organization. Our search committee will now focus on collecting feedback as to what downtown needs in its next executive director.”

RDA says the board interviewed multiple candidates for the interim position and will now begin a search process for the permanent hire. Community, staff, and board feedback will be sought as the RDA works through the executive director search process.

Masek’s last day at RDA is Feb. 10. Harrington has begun training with the organization and will officially begin leadership duties Feb. 13.

For more information on RDA, CLICK HERE.