DK! announces Marijo Cuerrier as new Executive Director

The Downtown Kingston! Board of Directors has announced the appointment of their new executive director Marijo Cuerrier. She is only the second executive director of the Downtown Kingston! Business Improvement Area (DK! BIA).

Cuerrier steps into the role on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, coming from her most recent role as the Executive Director of Downtown Belleville. According to the DK! BIA, she has substantial experience in strategic planning, marketing, social media, event planning and product development, and the Belleville business community and Downtown Belleville partners speak very highly of Marijo’s skills, effectiveness and ability to engage members and partners.

“We are very much looking forward to having Marijo begin her work and help the great team at Downtown Kingston! build back our downtown even better than before,” said Ed Smith, Chair of Downtown Kingston!.

Cuerrier and her team were responsible for the development and implementation of several successful events in 2020, including their summer event, Al Fresco, which resulted in increased foot traffic and revenue during the height of the pandemic, according to a release from DK! dated Wednesday, Apr. 21, 2021.

“I am looking forward to the new challenges that await me in Kingston,” Cuerrier said. “I have enjoyed downtown Kingston as a visitor and a short-term resident and am honoured to be chosen to lead the membership through this next phase in their growth. I am sure there are going to be some unique challenges, given that we are in the midst of a pandemic, but we are almost at the finish line so let’s make sure we are ready and see where it all goes!”

The DK! BIA also thanked Michèle Langlois for taking on the Interim Executive Director’s role this past year, after Doug Ritchie, inaugural Executive Director of the BIA, stepped down from the role in August 2020. The association went on to commend the rest of the staff who faced much adversity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I can say with great confidence that Marijo has a great team to work with to continue to produce great results and conversely that Downtown Kingston! staff will be led by a great new leader who will continue the history of excellence that Downtown Kingston! is recognized for, in a productive and fun working environment,” Smith concluded.

The Downtown Kingston! BIA is an association comprised of, and funded by 700+ downtown businesses. The association is dedicated to the maintenance and promotion of a vibrant and healthy downtown.