PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Downtown Pittsfield Inc. has appointed Kristine Hurley as the new director.

 

Hurley has worked with the organization since 2011 as the office manager. The organization eliminated the executive director position most recently held by Pamela Tobin and placed Hurley in the newly created top position.

 

DPI Board President Kate Maguire announced the appointment Tuesday.

 

"We were looking for someone who understands the needs of our downtown community of merchants, business owners and tenants. However, we believe this understanding must be accompanied by our mission to energize downtown in the midst of a strategic vision to invigorate our entire region; as the city rises, our entire community benefits," Maguire said in a prepared statement. 

 

"Kristine grew up in Pittsfield. She worked in retail management, then traveled away for a time and brought back the necessary skills that serve to strengthen her foundation of our commitment. Our board enthusiastically supports creating this position of leadership and entrusting Kristine with this important work.  We look forward to working with her on upcoming projects."

 

Hurley will be responsible for overseeing various programs such as the downtown ambassadors program in collaboration with Berkshire Community College, marketing the downtown businesses, building relationships with the downtown merchants and being involved in the development of a new downtown parking plan. She will also serve on the city's artscape committee and tourism commission.

 

"I'm proud of our downtown; however, our work is not finished. I'm looking forward to my new role with the organization. The economic and cosmetic improvements you see in downtown were not done by one person alone. Downtown belongs to all of us. It's the heartbeat of our home. I'll be calling on my friends of Pittsfield to roll up their sleeves and work beside me," Hurley said in a prepared statement.

 

"Our downtown impacts the entire community and a visitor’s perception of the area. What impression do we want to give? I’d like to build upon the great work that's already been completed by remaining focused on a clean, safe, friendly, vibrant and bustling downtown."

 

Hurley earned her bachelor's degree at Platt College in San Diego. She returned to Pittsfield and managed online marketing initiatives for the Option Institute and Autism Treatment in American and managed an online e-Bay business. She also serves on the Youth Commission.

 

Downtown Pittsfield in a nonprofit organization advocating for the downtown merchants.