Former Downtown Somerville Alliance Director Hired to Lead Downtown New Jersey Trade & Advocacy Group

JERSEY CITY, NJ - Downtown New Jersey, a statewide membership organization dedicated to the revitalization and sustainability of downtown districts across the Garden State, has appointed Natalie Pineiro, former executive director of the Downtown Somerville Alliance, as its new executive director.

Pineiro hired by the DSA in January, 2019, resigned her position at the DSA in April, and has since been replaced by Olivia Manning who founded Downtown Bernardsville, where she spearheaded forward-facing marketing initiatives, community engagement efforts, and achieved a 3.4% growth in visitors year over year since 2020.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE TAPINTO.NET NEWSLETTER

Pineiro, who succeeds Courtenay Mercer of Mercer Planning Associates, brings a wealth of experience in strategic communication, community development, and downtown management to DNJ.

Pineiro managed a staff of three in Somerville and was responsible for an annual budget exceeding $1M which included a property assessment for each merchant/building owner in the downtown district, and grants.

Pinero, former public information officer for Union Township and director of Legislative Research for Union County was hired by the DSA in January, 2019. She was one of 130 candidates who submitted resumes for consideration.

Pineiro owns a consulting business, INK Creative Strategies that specializes in assisting towns in New Jersey undergoing transition and redevelopment.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE TAPINTO APP FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS. AVAILABLE IN THE APPLE STORE AND THE GOOGLE PLAY STORE .

"Courtenay has left a lasting impact on Downtown New Jersey. Her impact has been felt by all our members, and we wish her the best as she continues her journey,” said Vanessa Quijano, DNJ’s president. "As Natalie steps into this role we are confident that the momentum Courtenay created will continue.

"Natalie’s deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our downtowns, coupled with her experience in strategic planning and community engagement, makes her a great fit for this organization," Quijano added. We look forward to working with her to continue to advance the mission of DNJ."

Most recently, Pineiro served as the vice president of Strategic Partnerships at the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority (NJRA), where she was instrumental in leading strategic planning efforts for marketing and communication initiatives across the organization.

During her five years at the helm of the DSA, Pineiro promoted balanced and progressive economic development, oversaw infrastructure and beautification projects, and leveraged the art of creating experiences that brought new and diverse populations to Somerville.

Her experience in public relations, strategic communication, and community engagement has made her a recognized leader in downtown revitalization efforts throughout New Jersey according to Quijano. Prior to her selection as the executive director of DNJ, she was a member of DNJ and had served on the Board of Directors.

"I am truly honored to be selected as the next executive director of Downtown New Jersey," Pineiro said. "Downtowns are the heartbeat of our communities, and I am eager to work with our members and partners to continue the incredible work that DNJ has been doing for years. My goal is to build on the foundation laid by my predecessors and to introduce innovative strategies that will ensure our downtowns not only survive but thrive in today’s dynamic environment."

Mercer, the outgoing executive director, began her tenure with DNJ in 2018. Under her leadership, the organization saw substantial growth and was an invaluable resource for New Jersey’s downtowns through the COVD-19 pandemic, later working with members on the reform of state liquir license laws.

"It has been a privilege to serve as Executive Director of Downtown New Jersey. We have made significant strides in advocating for and supporting the revitalization of downtowns across the state," said Mercer. “I look forward to continuing to work with the organization, albeit in a different capacity, and am excited for what lies ahead under Natalie's leadership.”

About Downtown New Jersey:
Downtown New Jersey (DNJ) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the revitalization and sustainability of downtowns across New Jersey. DNJ provides advocacy, education, and resources to downtown managers, public officials, and community stakeholders to support vibrant and thriving downtown districts.

For more local news, visit TAPinto.net