NATCHEZ, MS – The Downtown Natchez Alliance (DNA) is kicking off 2025 with a leadership changes, including a shift in both its board and its executive director role. In a meeting at City Hall this morning, DNA Board President Norma West and Mayor Dan Gibson discussed the announcement that Kevin Miers has resigned as executive director, effective today, February 14. DNA operates in partnership with the City of Natchez and the Mississippi Main Street Association, and a formal announcement regarding a search for a new director will be forthcoming.
“I am really sad to make this announcement,” said West. “Kevin has served faithfully as DNA’s executive director. Kevin’s professionalism and energy have propelled DNA and downtown Natchez to a higher level. The Board of Directors and I are grateful for the time we had to work with Kevin and wish him well in his future endeavors.”
Mayor Dan Gibson echoed West’s sentiments:
“I can say with the greatest of confidence that Kevin was the right person at the right time for DNA and downtown Natchez. He has been a joy to work with, and I have admired his professional leadership and hard work on key projects like our ‘Fall in Love with Natchez’ campaign and our Balcony, Awning, and Façade program,” said Gibson. “Our downtown is better and stronger because of Kevin. He has beautifully represented our city and our downtown and made us all proud.”
From the Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA), Beth Raney, Director of Business and Finance, praised Miers’s efforts:
“Kevin consistently went above and beyond in his role as Executive Director at DNA, demonstrating exceptional dedication, initiative, and a strong commitment to excellence. His willingness to take on additional responsibilities, support his colleagues around the state, and find innovative solutions made a significant impact on the team and the organization as a whole.”
T.J. Baggett, DNA Vice President and Chair of the HR committee, offered further perspective:
“We were blown away when Kevin applied for this position last year. Not only has he been involved in downtown development in Natchez for over 20 years, but he was also actively involved in the development of Downtown Natchez Alliance and served on the Board of Directors until rotating off in 2023. I couldn’t be more grateful for his many contributions, and all of us on the board are equally committed to continuing the programs and internal management processes that Kevin established.”
New DNA Board Leadership
At its January 21, 2025 Annual Meeting, DNA welcomed new officers and directors to its governing board. West, who has served as treasurer, president-elect, and chair of the MLK Triangle Team, now steps into the role of Board President. Other officers include Baggett as Vice President, Conner Burns as Treasurer, and Elizabeth Greer as Secretary. Additional directors are Liz Dantone, Leon Hollins, Jo Ann Brumfield, Chesney Doyle, and Brenda Zerby.
Projects and Programs Moving Forward
DNA is forging ahead with community events and initiatives, including its first “Natchez Pet Mayor Election.” This lighthearted “fun-raiser” not only supports downtown revitalization projects but also benefits local animal welfare organizations. Conceived by Miers after noting its success in other Mississippi Main Street communities, particularly Starkville, the Pet Mayor program was developed by Miers and Promotion Team Chair Elizabeth Greer. More information can be found at NatchezPetMayor.com.
Vice President Baggett, now serving his second three-year term on the DNA board, is looking forward to integrating fresh ideas from new board members into the organization’s strategic plan.
“DNA currently has an extreme amount of momentum from the work done over the last few years. Every March, we conduct a Board Strategic Planning Retreat,” said Baggett. “As we strategically plan to move forward, it is of utmost importance that we remain flexible enough to accommodate new opportunities and challenges, but also stay in alignment with the city’s priorities and the downtown master plan, with the overall goal of economic sustainability of downtown Natchez for its residents and visitors.”
Continued Partnership and Vision
West expressed gratitude for the continued support DNA receives:
“We have a great group of people on our DNA Board who are all vested in Natchez, our downtown, and the work of DNA. We also extend our gratitude to our many partners—especially Mayor Dan Gibson and the Board of Aldermen, our loyal supporters for investing in the vision for a revitalized downtown, our invaluable board advisor, Dian Lusher, our many volunteers, and of course, our friend, former board member, and former executive director Kevin Miers.”
West emphasized that the organization’s mission remains unchanged:
“To advance Downtown Natchez as a vibrant commercial and cultural district consistent with the city’s Downtown Master Plan and the National Main Street approach—a time-tested framework for community-driven comprehensive revitalization of historic downtowns.”
As DNA looks to the future, the organization remains committed to boosting downtown Natchez’s growth and heritage, building on the momentum established by Miers and previous board leadership. The search for DNA’s new executive director will begin immediately, ensuring the organization’s mission and work continue seamlessly.
I wonder how much money includes, ““We have a great group of people on our DNA Board who are all vested in Natchez, our downtown, and the work of DNA. We also extend our gratitude to our many partners—especially Mayor Dan Gibson and the Board of Aldermen,” and from what fund in the budget is this partnership being funded?
While on topic, how much money are we spending on the non-profit economic development associations and under what city budget item is it coming from?