The East Tosa Business Improvement District announced Aug. 10 it had named Amanda Williams as its first executive director, marking a significant step in the district's first year since launching.
Williams brings more than 21 years of experience in marketing, communications, project management, nonprofit development, and community engagement, according to an East Tosa BID news release. In her new role, she will provide "dedicated leadership to support the district's businesses, strengthen connections among stakeholders and advance a clear vision for the continued growth and vitality of East Tosa."
The business improvement district was created last fall along North Avenue, where it stretches from 60th Street to Wauwatosa Avenue. It is intended to support businesses, promote growth and vitality along the avenue, advocate for safety and physical improvements and market North Avenue beyond the neighborhood.
"I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve as East Tosa's first executive director," Williams said in the BID news release. "East Tosa is my home, I grew up here and I've watched as it's evolved over time. I believe it has tremendous energy, character, and potential, and I’m excited to work alongside our businesses, property owners, residents, city partners and community stakeholders to build on what already makes this district special."
The BID's inaugural board, a mix of business and property owners and East Tosa residents, has been slowly increasing the district's visibility this year, including by starting clean-up campaigns along North Avenue. Beautification projects are one of a range of initial priorities of the newly created East Tosa Business Improvement District.
To achieve those priorities, the executive director will "serve as the driving force behind the East Tosa BID’s day-to-day operations, strategic initiatives and community engagement efforts," according to the job description posted earlier this year. It said the executive director would be expected to work 20 to 25 hours a week as an independent contractor. Compensation was not specified but will be "commensurate with experience."
The BID, in announcing Williams' appointment, called it an "important milestone" in the organization's effort to "to identify opportunities and address shared challenges along the North Avenue corridor."
"The BID is entering an exciting new chapter," Williams said. "There is a lot of opportunity ahead, and I’m looking forward to listening, learning, and working collaboratively to help East Tosa reach its full potential."
