The Downtown Walla Walla Foundation has named Kathryn Witherington as its new Executive Director, effective Feb. 18, 2020.

Witherington will succeed Bonnie Bowton, who announced her retirement from the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation last fall, and will remain through February for the transition.

Witherington was most recently Economic Development Director for the Port of Columbia in Dayton.

"I'm very excited, but I will miss my role here in Columbia County and with the Port," Witherington told the Dayton Chronicle.

"It's been a rewarding experience, and it's because of the work here, my mentorship with Jennie [Dickinson] and with the Port Commissioners, that I'm able to take on this challenge," she said.

Witherington previously was area manager for Junior Achievement, and is active on the Dayton Development Task Force, is Vice Chair of Dayton City Planning Commission and is a member of the board of directors for Community Council. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Gonzaga University in English and Political Science.

Witherington, who now resides with her family in Dayton, will be moving to Walla Walla.

"I believe that a downtown should be for everyone," said Witherington, "and I look forward to helping create an environment and opportunities downtown that both locals and tourists will enjoy."

"The hard work that the board and staff have already done," she added, "has laid a wonderful foundation to build on as I begin. This next chapter of the DWWF is going to be very exciting."

"The search was a thorough process," said Brian Hunt, board president and chairperson for the search committee. "We had a number of good, local candidates which made this an especially invigorating search. It's a testament to the Downtown Foundation and to our larger community that so many talented people were interested in leading the Foundation's next chapter."

"Kathryn brings an economic development focus," said Hunt, "that will be increasingly important with the departure of Macy's and the planned departure of Good Will from our downtown core."

Witherington also has experience in the Main Street Approach, he said, which guides the DWWF's work to use historical preservation as a means to support a dynamic, successful downtown. "She's got a great skill set, lots of ideas and a great team in place," he said. "We're looking forward to the next, great chapter in our downtown."

With Hunt, the search committee included from the DWWF board Past President Paul Schneidmiller, Treasurer Casey Waddell, Secretary Amy LeFore, and Brian Hansen, along with Walla Walla City Manager Nabiel Shawa and local architect Jon Campbell.

"The Foundation is in good shape," said Hunt. "Bonnie and the Downtown staff just wrapped up an incredible, record-breaking year, and we have an opportunity, with the Main Street Program, to build on that strength to help ensure our downtown is a vital and welcoming place for those of us who live here and for those that visit."

Established in 1984, the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation is a non-profit, community organization whose mission is to promote the history, culture and commerce in the downtown. The Downtown Foundation manages the Walla Walla Farmer's Market, and produces a number of downtown events, including Summer Sounds, Sip and Stroll, Wheelin' Walla Walla car show, Brewfest, as well the annual Parade of Lights and Veterans Day Parade.