DKI STAFF ROLES
Steve Deisler, ACIP, Vice President, Planning & Development
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.
Jillian began her tenure with Downtown Kalamazoo Incorporated in 2004. She works closely with Stephanie Watkins, providing administrative support to all staff to ensure efficient office operations. Additionally, they assist downtown’s volunteers, merchants, business owners, employees, constituents and guests. She has a concerted focus on meeting coordination and maintaining corporate records (minutes) for all of the D’s boards and committees. Drawing from 18 years of customer service experience, she aims to address inquiries promptly, utilizing a service-oriented approach. Jillian is a YWCA Board and Nominating Committee member. Correspondingly, she serves as the staff liaison on the Summit on Racism's Employment Initiative subcommittee. She is also a member of the Kalamazoo Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals.
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.
Vicky joined the staff of Downtown Kalamazoo Incorporated five years ago. She manages all aspects of marketing (image and event), public relations, media relations and organizational communications, along with special projects such as the State of the Downtown Address and the Holly Jolly Trolley. Vicky manages the DKI Marketing and Safety Committees, as well as the Citizens Advisory Council. She is a member of the Discover Kalamazoo Board of Directors, the Fontana Chamber Arts Marketing Committee and the Kalamazoo PromiseNet Planning Committee.
Christina began her internship with DKI in October 2011. She assists Vicky Kettner with communications to the business community, promotion of the Student Discount Program to all three higher-education campuses, and web site administrative updates. Christina is studying Public Relations at Western Michigan University.
Ken has been President of Downtown Kalamazoo Incorporated since 1998. He directs all aspects of downtown management including real estate acquisitions, economic development strategies and the downtown parking system. In addition to these issues, Ken is knowledgeable about organizational structure and private fund raising. He co-authored a chapter in Making Business Districts Work (Hayworth Press), “The Kalamazoo Prism: Downtown Michigan Metamorphosis”. He is a 29-year veteran in the urban planning and development industry and has been affiliated with International Downtown Association since 1987. Ken is a Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Advisory Board member and a 2002 Leadership Kalamazoo graduate.
Brian has been with Downtown Kalamazoo Incorporated since April of 2008. He began working for DKI as the Planning & Development Intern, and has since transitioned into the role of Planning & Development Coordinator. 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 and 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 Michigan Association of Planning and the International Economic Development Council.
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.
Tom has been with Downtown Kalamazoo Incorporated since January of 2011. He assists DKI's Planning & Development department with a variety of projects including downtown surveys, GIS mapping, database collection, inventory activities, and other daily tasks. Tom is currently a Graduate Assistant at Western Michigan University's Geography Department, where he works towards obtaining his Masters Degree with a concentration in Geographic Information Science. Tom has previous work experience with surveying, zoning practice, land use, and plan review process with small municipalities.
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 a Certified Tourism Ambassador and a member of the Kalamazoo Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals.