Meet the TeamAdvocates for a
Thriving Downtown
The Alliance is led by a group of enthusiastic contributors to a thriving Downtown Grand Rapids. Our Executive Director is supported by a working board of directors and an active team of committee members who believe in the power of a strong community core.
Photo Credit : KAXE / Weisguy Images
Executive DirectorChris Walker
Chris was hired as the organization's first Executive Director in January 2026. As a former business owner, he feels strongly about supporting others in that role and increasing foot traffic downtown. Originally hailing from the Twin Cities, he's thrilled at the opportunity to help maintain a vibrant downtown and have an impact on a place he's been proud to call home since 2017.
He also enjoys giving back to the community by volunteering as a youth soccer coach, an assistant for the Grand Rapids High School Girls Soccer team, and by serving on the board of both Grand Rapids Area Soccer Club and the IEDC.
Chris resides in Grand Rapids with his wife, two daughters and their dog. You can often find him grabbing a coffee or a beer downtown, depending on the day.
Board of Directors
Committee Members
Executive Committee
Bill Martinetto (Board Chair)
Michelle Carlson (Vice Chair)
Mindy Nuhring (Secretary)
Dan Foster (Treasurer)
Activate! Committee
Amanda Lussier (Co-chair)
Kari Hedlund (Co-chair)
Michelle Arnhold Davies
Amanda Templin
Grant Prokop
Madeline Cook
Tim Oxborough
Sonia Lindgaard
Will Richter
Jessie Siiter
Hannah Madden
Strategic Communications Committee
Brianne Wagner (Co-chair)
Abby Oxborough (Co-chair)
April Arnason
Angie Erickson
Danielle Schermerhorn
Finance & Technical Assistance Committee
Rob Mattei (Co-chair)
Dan Foster (Co-chair)
Nate Loyd
Mike Korte
Rick Harding
Nick Rothstein
Economic Strategy Committee
Bill Martinetto (Co-chair)
Michelle Carlson (Co-chair)
Ashley Brubaker
Linda Budrow
Kyle Erickson
Physical Design & Appearance Committee
Matt Wegwerth (Co-chair)
Amanda Lamppa (Co-chair)
Sandy Anderson
Mark Hawkinson
James Mack
Emily Naparalla
Katie Marshall
