Downtown Bend Business Association hires Shannon Monihan as new executive director
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Downtown Bend Business Association has announced the hiring of Shannon Monihan as its new executive director.
DBBA Board President Chris Piper said, “We have selected Shannon Monihan after an extensive search, to lead the DBBA into 2023 and going forward. Shannon’s experience, credentials combined with extensive operational and marketing experiences are a great match for what the DBBA needs in order to meet the challenges and opportunities which await our association in the future.
"Shannon is energized and anxiously looking forward to meeting with our Downtown stakeholders and strategic partners in the community.”
Ed Deenihan has been a DBBA board member and is a downtown business owner. He said, “Sustaining the beauty and economic vibrancy of our downtown requires the city and the DBBA to work as partners. I am confident that Shannon will provide the leadership the DBBA needs to accomplish this.”
Shannon has a passion for entrepreneurship, business development, marketing and branding. With a strong sense of what people need, want, and are attracted to, she has championed multiple companies in beauty, medical aesthetics, and firearms tactical training industry. After visiting Bend throughout her life, Shannon moved to Bend two years ago.
“I’m thrilled to be jumping into action prior to this upcoming exciting season for downtown,” Shannon said. “My focus is to action quickly on marketing and communications so that DBBA and its businesses become an even more standout identifiable brand.
“I’m passionate about taking our organization to the next level so we continue to grow and prosper together. As Bend’s neighborhoods and shopping districts grow, the market becomes competitive. It’s critical for the downtown to stay top of mind in the eyes of our tourist and locals. I’m very passionate about making our social media platforms a source of real time information and exciting engagement, so we are always searched first online by the public and our strategic partners,” Shannon said.
“Keeping our downtown clean, safe and beautiful is paramount as we head into our colder weather seasons. Our maintenance team is already on the ground daily with one focus, and that’s to make sure our guest experience downtown is healthy, happy and positive. Soon the flower baskets will come down and banners will go up, and we’ll be decorating for the seasons ahead. Our maintenance and event teams will make sure we get through the bustle of activities seamlessly,” Shannon said.
“My style is to dive right in and get to work. In my first week, I’ve focused on our operational structure, goals for the fall and our staff, developing a strategy for optimizing roles and responsibilities,” Shannon added. “Quickly, you will begin to see us execute our duties with a refreshed approach and with standard operating procedures, which will maximize our capabilities as a nonprofit. You’ll also begin to notice us taking a more streamlined approach to marketing and sales, so we become an even more effective ambassador for the businesses we represent.
“Lastly, I’m excited for bigger pictures work as a partner in our larger community of Bend. I’m looking forward to building relationships with the city, neighboring organizations and media channels so we may join in the spirit of camaraderie to make our city event stronger,” Shannon said. “I’m looking forward to engaging with you all. You’ll see my personality at all events and online with updates, always infusing spirit wherever I can. My style is approachable and engaging. I’m here to be the face of the DBBA and a champion for the community so we may economically grow together.”