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Miami, FL– Miami Downtown Development Authority (Miami DDA) Executive Director Dana Nottingham has announced that he will not renew his professional service agreement that was executed on January 1, 2003. Renewed on an annual basis, the contract was to be up for review in December 2008. Today, members of the Board of Directors met with Nottingham to discuss the terms of his departure.
Nottingham is transitioning on good terms, noting, “It has been an honor to serve the Miami DDA Board. I have invested a piece of my life working with the organization to make Downtown Miami the best that it can be. I believe in Miami and in Downtown’s future, and hope I will have the opportunity to continue to support the Board’s efforts.”
As a result of the decision, City of Miami Commissioner and Miami DDA Board Chairman Joe M. Sanchez appointed a Negotiations Committee consisting of Board members Jay H. Solowsky, Loretta Cockrum, and Alvin West to immediately negotiate separation terms with Nottingham.
Chairman Sanchez will also select members to establish a Transition Committee, which will be in charge of appointing an interim Executive Director, if necessary, as well as determine organizational changes needed during the transition process; and a Search Committee to launch a nationwide search for a new executive director to head the public-private, non-profit business organization that strives to develop Miami's downtown area.
The Miami DDA’s mission to: “Make Downtown Miami the most livable urban center in the nation and strengthen its position as the international center for commerce, culture, and tourism,” will continue to be carried out by the Board, who is collectively rallying around creating a positive image and building a renewed reputation for the organization.
The general sentiment from the Board was that Mr. Nottingham was the consummate professional who worked hard to achieve the goals of the Miami DDA.
Commissioner Sanchez stated, “The Miami DDA has done an impressive job revitalizing downtown in recent years; new businesses have moved here, jobs have been created. Our goal is to improve the organization and continue to grow.”
To showcase the successful programs the agency has launched and executed on its own and through various partnerships, the Miami DDA has retained The Apple Organization as its public relations representative. A primary PR goal is to leverage relationships with the media to clearly delineate what responsibilities fall under the auspices of the Miami DDA and the City of Miami.
Apple is coordinating a walking tour to highlight first-hand the Miami DDA’s applauded Downtown Enhancement Team (DET), Ambassador Program and streetscape and façade improvements at work. Attendees of the Miami DDA media tour will also learn about City, County and State projects on which the Miami DDA has partnered.
The Apple Organization has devised a strategic action plan that includes a media relations campaign focusing on Miami DDA triumphs and downtown improvements; as well as catapulting the Miami DDA’s 15-member Board into the spotlight by underscoring their individual expertise and uniform voice.
“We want to start 2008 off on the right foot and get the public to understand how much the Miami DDA has done and continues to do for downtown, its businesses, employees, employers, residents, and tourists, as well as the undying commitment of the Board,” noted Phyllis Apple, CEO of The Apple Organization. “Miami is a world-class city that continues to elevate in stature; conveying those messages is essential to furthering the agency’s mission.”
“It is time for change. There is a great need to work with the City of Miami to determine how to effectively accomplish the mission of the Miami DDA,” said Sergio Rok, Board secretary.
“The organization is committed to moving forward as quickly as possible,” added Oscar Rodriguez, Board member and senior vice president of development at The Related Group.
The Miami Downtown Development Authority, founded in 1965, is governed by a 15-member Board comprised of three (3) public appointees and twelve (12) downtown property owners, residents and / or workers. Through its own programs and services and partnership with the City of Miami and other governmental entities, Miami DDA is dedicated to making Downtown a more livable community and improving the quality of life for employers, employees, residents, property owners, and visitors. For more information, please visit www.miamidda.com.
The Miami DDA also publishes the DWNTWNR Newsletter, a quarterly update on what’s new and happening in Downtown. The colorful informational piece is distributed to 15,000 residents, businesses, corporate centers and the Welcome Center. For more information on Downtown Miami, please visit the online version of the DWNTWNR Newsletter at www.dwntwnr.com.
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