Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) – The Rochester Downtown Alliance announced a new executive director who is set to start later this month.

Holly Masek was announced as the new executive director of the RDA today by the Rochester Downtown Alliance Board of Directors.

Masek has experience in real estate, placemaking, public space activation, and municipal government to the role of executive director. Most of her experience was in New England, she has family and friends across Illinois and Minnesota and feels connected to the midwest.

Masek earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Geography from Boston University and a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design.

RDA Board Vice Chair Jeanine Gangeness led an executive search committee that was compiled of both board members and community leaders in the national search for a new executive director. The executive search committee was created last fall to partner with Minneapolis based search firm CohenTaylor.

“We are excited to have Holly Masek join our community,” Gangeness said. “The RDA has grown with the community, and now is the perfect time to bring Holly onboard with her service district experience, premiere educational background, and relevant skills.”

Masek said she looks forward to exploring Minnesota and getting to know the Rochester community.

“Both Rochester and the RDA are at exciting moments of transition and opportunity,” Masek said. “The RDA’s mission of bringing vitality to downtown is more important than ever. I look forward to working with the RDA team, as well as the wider Rochester community, to shape the future of the organization together.”

Masek will assume the role of executive director June 17.

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