Downtown Main Street Board Names Donnie Rodgers, Jr. New Executive Director

LEE’S SUMMIT, MO – The Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street board of directors voted this week to elevate Donnie Rodgers Jr. to the position of DLSMS executive director, effective immediately.

Donnie Rodgers, Jr.

Rodgers, who lives in downtown Lee’s Summit, has been the assistant director of Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street since February 2014, and has serves as the staff liaison to the newly-established Community Improvement District in downtown Lee’s Summit.

“Donnie has already become a vital asset to Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street in the time he has been with us,” said Lynn Hinkle, president of the Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street board of directors.

“He has developed strong ties with our community partners, investors and merchants, and has used his strong experience in working in downtowns across Missouri to help grow our organization,” she said. “He is ready to take the title to match his acknowledged role as a leader in Downtown Lee’s Summit.”

Rodgers has spent his professional career working in Missouri downtowns and Missouri Main Street programs, including more than five years as Community Development Coordinator for the Urban Districts Alliance in Springfield. There he helped establish and implement a Community Improvement District, a task successfully repeated after his move to Lee’s Summit. His work in Springfield was recognized by 417 Magazine, naming Rodgers one of its “Top 20 Under 30” in 2011.

“Donnie’s work ethic, people skills and organizational ability are what will allow DLSMS to continue its growth as we move into our new offices and lead the continued evolution of our Downtown,” said Jason Norbury, DLSMS board member and CID chair.

“He understands not only historic downtowns and the unique challenges they face, but has truly integrated himself in the community in his time with us,” Norbury said.

Since joining DLSMS, Rodgers continued his professional development, including earning a master’s degree in Community Development from Kansas State University. He also has a bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Drury University. In addition, Rodgers completed the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce Leadership Lee’s Summit program this year, is active in the Chamber Young Professionals, and volunteers throughout the community.

“Lee’s Summit is truly a special place because of the people who call it home, and I am honored to have the opportunity to work beside such a dedicated and passionate group of small business owners, volunteers and neighbors,” said Rodgers, executive director of DLSMS.