Above / Hometown holiday events featuring the Little Friends Parade of Lights welcomed visitors to downtown Naperville, thanks to months of planning by the Downtown Naperville Alliance (DNA) under the leadership of Executive Director Katie Wood. Many fond memories were made during special visits with Santa and friends as well as other seasonal events planned by Wood and downtown merchants.
Update, Nov. 15, 2021 / Members of the Downtown Naperville Alliance and Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, City officials, family and friends took time to fete Katie Wood upon her retirement after 14 years as Executive Director of the downtown merchants organization. “Toast Katie Wood, A Time to Wish Her the Best,” was held at Elements at Water Street Monday evening, Nov. 15.
Update, Oct. 13, 2021 / According to Pam Bartlett, owner of Pinot’s Palette in downtown Naperville, who served on the DNA Executive Director Selection Committee, Danielle Tufano will start her position as Executive Director for the Downtown Naperville Alliance on Mon., Oct. 18, 2021.
“I have enjoyed being part of the Naperville community in a variety of roles over the years, but to have the honor of serving the Downtown Naperville businesses is one that I am most excited for!” said Tufano Wednesday evening. “I truly look forward to working hard and creatively collaborating with the Downtown Naperville community to grow upon the amazing legacy that Katie Wood has built!”
Update, Oct. 6, 2021 / The Downtown Naperville Alliance Board of Directors and its Selection Committee to find a new DNA Executive Director kept its promise. Announcement of the next DNA Executive Director came today. Danielle Tufano has been named Executive Director of the Downtown Naperville Alliance. Known for her work as program director and morning co-host of 95.9 The River as well as a volunteer with the Naperville Jaycees and Jaycees Last Fling, Tufano soon will assume the role held by Katie Wood, who is retiring after 14 years with the DNA.
Wood recently was named Co-Grand Marshal of the hometown holiday kick-off event, “Parade of Lights,” that will be held Fri., Nov. 26. The popular parade has been a showcase of community spirit, benefiting from Wood’s efforts when Santa Claus comes to Naperville for the holiday season. Mayor Steve Chirico will share the honor as 2012 Grand Marshal.
Original Post, Aug. 5, 2021 / The Downtown Naperville Alliance (DNA) Board of Directors has announced the pending retirement of its Executive Director Katie Wood.
Wood has served as the organization’s Executive Director for 14 years, leading Downtown Naperville’s marketing and advocacy efforts for Naperville’s downtown Central Business District, comprised of 300 businesses, including shops, restaurants, spas, and service businesses.
During her tenure, Downtown Naperville has grown sizably both in commerce and appeal, repeatedly voted the best downtown in the suburban Chicago area and nationwide.
Wood led Downtown Naperville’s marketing efforts from website, print, digital media, TV and radio and initiated marketing events such as Spring and Fall Style Weekends with fashion shows. Successful special events have included Wine Walks, Chocolate and Cookie Walks, holiday events, Harry Potter events, sidewalk sales, first winter and then summer painted sculptures, and more.
She has also helped grow the Downtown Naperville Gift Card program to become one of the top gift card programs of any downtown in America.
Wood accomplished this while continually advocating on behalf of downtown businesses in partnership with the City of Naperville to ensure Naperville’s downtown not only grows by thrives.
“The DNA is in my DNA,” said Wood. “It has been the greatest professional honor of my life to serve our amazing downtown Naperville business community. I consider our businesses family and cherish the friendships I’ve made along the way and all that we’ve accomplished together. Now that we are mostly thru COVID and businesses are rebounding, it’s time to open up my life to new possibilities and also enjoy more time with my family.”
Accolades all around for Katie Wood
“We were so fortunate to have Katie Wood leading the DNA,” noted Pam Bartlett, owner of Pinot’s Palette and DNA Board member. “She is truly dedicated to Downtown Naperville and worked hard to raise awareness of our small businesses. Katie is a true inspiration to all of us!
Greg DeGeeter, owner of Dean’s Clothing, added, “Katie has always put Naperville ahead of herself. That is what was always so impressive about Katie, she is Naperville 120%.”
“There is no way to overstate what Katie has meant to the heart and soul of our city,” said Kris Hartner, owner of Naperville Running Company and previous DNA Chair. “From her first day on the job, we have had a champion whose singular focus has been finding ways to share the awesomeness of Downtown Naperville.”
Wood will remain in her position until a new executive director is appointed. The Downtown Naperville Alliance Board of Directors currently is seeking a new executive director.
For more information visit www.downtownnaperville.com.
Story submitted by Kim Coyne, Chairperson, Downtown Naperville Alliance Board of Directors. (PN File Photos)
Editor’s Note / Recently Katie Wood also met with members of the Riverwalk Commission and Riverwalk Foundation to lend support from the Downtown Naperville Alliance that will help promote the 40th birthday of the Riverwalk on Sept. 6, following the Last Fling Labor Day Parade.
