Lauren Coakley Vincent has been named the new president of the Downtown Special Services District that oversees security, cleanliness and marketing of the central business district. News release follows.
The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) announced today that Lauren Coakley Vincent will join the organization as president beginning January 2, 2018. She succeeds Michael Moore, who after six years in Bridgeport is now vice president of operations for the Stamford Downtown Special Services District.
Ms. Coakley Vincent brings over ten years of experience in economic development, program management, public administration, and community development to her new position. She spent the last five years at the NYC Department of Small Business Services as Director of Capacity Building Initiatives and Neighborhood Development. Her department was instrumental in the establishment of training and technical assistance services to strengthen business improvement district (BIDS), organizations to grow and better serve their neighborhoods and commercial districts.
“I grew up in Fairfield County and have always been enamored with the Park City,” said Ms. Coakley Vincent. “I am thrilled to be joining the DSSD and look forward to collaborating with all of the community partners already working hard to make Downtown Bridgeport a vibrant, thriving district.”
“We are excited to welcome Lauren to Bridgeport,” said DSSD Chairman Kim Morque. “It was clear, when we interviewed Lauren that she brings the passion, energy and expertise that we need to lead the organization.”
In addition to her experience with economic development, Ms. Coakley Vincent has also worked in strategic planning, creative placemaking and fundraising and is a Board Member of six New York City BIDS. She holds a Master’s degree from the New School in New York and a BA from Cornell University. She will begin her transition to DSSD work in December before assuming full time duties on January 2.
About the Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District
As the Business Improvement District for the Park City, the Bridgeport DSSD’s mission is to “enhance the environment in which people shop, live and work.” The DSSD is operated under the direction of a nine-member Board of Commissioners representing property owners in downtown Bridgeport. infobridgeport.com
Who really gives a damn
I second that emotion.
“Bonne chance dans votre nouvel emploi” Ms. Vincent.
Wait a minute, she doesn’t look like Paul Griffith aka Local Eyes! That position was promised to him years ago. What the heck, I might as well sell him weed in an undercover buy-bust sting so he can get this darn position. True OIB friends sacrifice for other OIB friends.
Joel, your awesomeness has no limits.
I am already promoting Bridgeport as a destination in New York City, where it can do the most good. See blogroll here: http://www.NewYorkNewYork1.com
You’re pretty cocky for a man that cleans toilets and empties wastebaskets for a living.
I️ guess the small business development experience may Help foster a creative vibrant place and sustain activity created in the caverns of Downtown
Does she know anybody here to connect the dots?
A fresh perspective makes “dots” unneeded.
You seem awfully sure if this woman’s abilities. Downtown takes in more than Main and Broad Streets. Many vacant store fronts there. What about the market that closed? The proprietor lost his savings on that. What about Middle Street? That looks like an abandoned set for a war film.
Too many empty storefronts downtown.
Any relation to Architect David Vincent of ” Invaders” fame? (Roy Thinnes?) Has some 60’s TV drama surrealism of the same sort… Alien mutant attempting to commander control of another planet…
Trying a new orbit can reduce the risks of re-entry.
A trip through the so-called “business district” would give you an idea of the ineffectiveness of the Downtown Special Services District.
Maybe that’s about to change.
Quand les porcs poussent des ailes.
Here’s my new side hustle:
When it comes to business districts, I teach jewelers how to find diamonds in the rough.
Vois êtes plein de vin et de gaz chaud.
Local,
Does the disappearance of a pawn shop presage the coming of a jewelry store? Or any mid to upscale retail offerings in the downtown area? Rough -ly speaking what is your view from 30,000 feet? And how does that economic development effect change the Taxable Grand List in Bridgeport?
If OPED assigned a member of the staff to dig deep for an alternative rule set for outlets for alcohol sales, what would be the financial effect to the City if the rules changed? Has anyone seen that potential result summarized? Don’t we need to have serious economic development potential results with every advisory from that department? City plans for economic development should have practical results attached, yes? For too many years, from a financial point of view, that unit should better be termed the OFFICE OF DREAMS FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT? Time will tell.
I believe in cash-on-cash economic development. Consequently, I hope tax credits for old buildings disappear.
Too many respectable developers depend om tax credits. It must be nice to start a new spreadsheet; plug in a tax credit and make an instant profit.
Are they adding value or just collecting tax credits?