PORT TOWNSEND — Natalie Maitland has been hired as the executive director for the Port Townsend Main Street Program.
Maitland, who said she looks forward to helping shape the city’s future, will start May 21, according to a press release.
“I feel excited about this opportunity and am really looking forward to digging in and deepening my knowledge of the Main Street organization,” she said. “Port Townsend Main Street has such a rich tradition and a solid foundation with which to build upon. I look forward to connecting with local business owners, collaborating with other organizations and finding new pathways to bring a positive impact to the community through our work.”
Maitland said she hopes to strengthen community ties through listening and collaboration.
She will work to support uptown and downtown Port Townsend as places that both residents and visitors can enjoy and appreciate, she added.
Maitland said Main Street’s board of directors was supportive throughout the hiring process and that she looks forward to working with them.
“We were impressed with the high caliber of the applicants who expressed interest in the position,” board president Casey Hannam said. “It is a compliment to our nonprofit and our city. We believe Natalie Maitland will be a great fit for this position. She is goal-oriented, collaborative and has the ability to build consensus. Her strong leadership and marketing skills will serve our program well and will benefit Port Townsend’s historic districts and the wider Main Street network.”
A Port Townsend resident, Maitland brings more than 15 years of experience in marketing, communications, events, business development, hospitality and tourism to the position, according to the press release.
Until its closure, Maitland served as the director of operations at Fort Worden Hospitality (FWH). During her time there, she worked with and alongside a number of organizations, including the Port Townsend Main Street Program.
Maitland also worked with the Main Street team through her participation on the Port Townsend Creative District subcommittee, according to the press release.
Maitland also serves as the Quimper Events Collective’s board treasurer, she said.
Mari Mullen, who currently serves as the executive director of the Main Street program, is leaving the position at the end of May. Mullen has been with the organization since 1998, according to the release.
Maitland said she had admired Mullen’s dedication to the role.
“I have big shoes to fill and am up for the challenge,” she said.
Mullen’s last day will be May 31, when the nonprofit will celebrate its 40-year anniversary by taking the Family Portrait Town Photo at 2 p.m. at the post office, 1322 Washington St., according to the release. Washington Street will be closed between Harrison Street and Van Buren Street from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for the event.
Through May, Main Street is facilitating Art Wave, where local children’s artwork is displayed in 29 downtown and uptown businesses.
The Port Townsend Main Street Program has more than 20 events and activities scheduled this year.
For more information about Main Street events and activities, visit ptmainstreet.org.
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Reporter Elijah Sussman can be reached by email at elijah.sussman@sequimgazette.com.
