DKI STAFF ROLES
Elise Crafts, Planning & Development Intern
Elise has been with Downtown Kalamazoo Incorporated since 2013. As DKI’s Planning & Development Intern, she is responsible for assisting in downtown development and planning with a variety of research, database collection, annual survey's, GIS mapping and analysis, and inventory activities. Elise graduated from Aquinas College in 2010 with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree, majoring in Geography, Sociology, and Writing. She is expecting her Master’s of Arts degree, majoring in Geography, from Western Michigan University in April 2013. Elise is a member of the American Planning Association and Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.
Steve Deisler, AICP, President
Steve Deisler has been Vice President of Downtown Kalamazoo Incorporated since 1999. He manages the planning and development activities for downtown Kalamazoo, including the organization’s real estate holdings, implementation of the Downtown Vision Plan and economic development projects. He also coordinates business development functions and the downtown parking system. Steve has over 27 years of experience in the urban planning, urban design and economic development field, managing projects in excess of $100 million dollars. He serves as Vice-Chair of the Michigan Downtown Association and is also a member of the American Planning Association, International Council of Shopping Centers and International Economic Development Council. Steve has also been affiliated with International Downtown Association since 1999 and is a 2003 Leadership Kalamazoo graduate.
Deb Houseman has been the Finance Director for Downtown Kalamazoo Incorporated since July of 2008. She manages the accounting for all of the DKI entities and performs payroll and various other human resource responsibilities. Deb has 27 years of experience in accounting.
Brian has been with Downtown Kalamazoo Incorporated since April of 2008. As DKI's Planning & Development Coordinator, Brian is responsible for assisting in all DKI activities including downtown comprehensive planning, economic development, urban design, historic preservation, civil engineering, and tax increment financing. Additionally, he serves as the staff liaison to design and engineering consultants at the Arcadia Creek Festival Place. Brian manages the DKA Charities Board, CIP Committee, Safety Committee, DDA Citizen's Council, Project Review Committee, and co-chairs the Downtown Design Review Committee. Brian graduated from Western Michigan University in December of 2008 with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Secondary Education, majoring in geography. He is also a member of the 2012-2013 Leadership Kalamazoo Class and Portage/Arcadia Watershed Steering Committee, and a proud board member of the Kalamazoo Rotaract Club and Kalamazoo In Bloom.
Rob has been with Downtown Kalamazoo Incorporated since 2007. His primary task is to aid business development in downtown Kalamazoo through programs that help current businesses be more successful and through the recruitment of new businesses to the DDA district. Rob chairs the Education Committee of the Downtown Retailers Association, maintains a list of available commercial properties downtown, tracks key economic indicators, and manages the Retail Incubation Program and the Business Recruitment & Retention Program. He is also a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers and the National Business Incubation Association.
Sharlene Stockwell has worked in accounting for Downtown Kalamazoo Incorporated since March of 2004. Shar is responsible for performing the accounts payable and accounts receivable functions for all of the DKI entities and assists in various other accounting duties.
Stephanie has been managing the front desk at Downtown Kalamazoo Incorporated since 2007. She also handles the technological needs of the organization, including website, phone and computer support and special I.T. projects. Stephanie helps manage the Downtown Dollars program and provides administrative support to all staff. She coordinates meetings, assists guests and visitors in the office and completes various projects as needed from fellow staff members. Stephanie also assists our boards and committees by providing them with information for monthly and impromptu meetings. She is also a Certified Tourism Ambassador.