Downtown Evanston Director Steps Down After 5 Years

The following press release was submitted by the Downtown Evanston business group.

On Friday, December 6, 2013 Executive Director, Carolyn Dellutri informed the Downtown Evanston Board of Directors that she will be leaving the organization as of Friday, January 3, 2014.  She has accepted the position as Senior Director of Programs and Services for the National Main Street Center in Chicago, IL.  

Chris Mailing, Chairman of the Downtown Evanston Board of Directors stated “we are sad to see Carolyn leave us but very proud of all that she has done for the downtown Evanston business district and organization, the executive board will convene later this week to determine our next steps and to replace the Executive Director.”

Dellutri joined Downtown Evanston as the first full time Executive Director in July of 2008.  During her tenure she worked with the many stakeholders in the downtown district to become a full time organization.  One of the major projects was the rebranding process which included a new logo, tagline, website, gift card program, mobile app, new banner program and to rename the organization from Evmark to Downtown Evanston.  She also coordinated the relocation of the office to a first floor space and created Evanston’s first Visitor Information Center at 820 Davis Street, Suite 151 which is shared with Evanston’s first Incubator, the Technology Innovation Center. 

Over the past 3 years Dellutri has worked with the Board of Directors to create a plan of action for the next 5 years to include these goals: 

• Maintain and expand an exciting mix of both local and national business in Downtown Evanston
• Promote the Performing and Visual Arts in Downtown Evanston
• Strengthen relationships between Downtown Evanston, the City of Evanston, and  Northwestern University for mutual benefit
• Further enhance the public realm of Downtown Evanston
• Continue to partner with the City of Evanston to enhance the downtown policy making, incentives and zoning in the downtown district. 

Carolyn Dellutri, stated “I am very proud of how the Board of Directors and staff has worked through some of the toughest economic times starting in 2008.  We viewed the downturn as the time to get our house in order, which we did, and now we have so many new businesses that have moved in and more prospecting.  It’s been my pleasure to work with the Board of Directors and staff, Mayor Tisdahl and the City Council, City Manager Bobkiewicz and his staff, Evanston Chamber of Commerce, Technology Innovation Center, Rotary, Evanston Community Foundation, Downtown Residents Association, the business community and Northwestern University faculty, staff and students.   It’s a great time for a new Executive Director to work with the Board to take it to the next level.  The great news is I will continue living in Downtown Evanston and get to continue enjoying this great place we all call home!”