The Board of Directors of Downtown Roanoke, Inc. has unanimously selected Sean C. Luther as the next president and chief executive of DRI. Luther, who is currently an economic development specialist for the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership in Pennsylvania, will begin his new duties on Monday, October 26. In his new role, Luther will be responsible for leading DRI in several important projects including renewal and improvements to the Market Square and the Historic Roanoke City Market.
“Sean possesses a depth of experience in downtown revitalization that exceeds his standing as a young professional,” said DRI Board Chair Ben Motley. “We’re excited to have someone with his talent, vision, and energy coming on board to work with downtown stakeholders at this critically important time to help guide the future of downtown.”
Luther earned his bachelor’s in Political Science and his master’s in Real Estate Development from Clemson University, and he earned his Economic Development Finance Specialist certification from the National Development Council. Luther has been engaged in a reactivation of Market Square in downtown Pittsburgh, a $1 million streetscape grant program. He has coordinated government, civic, design and business organizations in the redevelopment of major public spaces and implemented a multi-district retail attraction and recruitment initiative. As a developer and consultant, Luther has been involved with historic residential renovation projects and performed research and market analysis reports for public and private organizations.
“Downtown Roanoke has significant potential to build on its world class amenities,” said Luther. “I can’t think of a more exciting place to be at this time in DRI’s history or in my career. This is a momentous opportunity for me. I can’t wait to hit the ground in Roanoke.”
Downtown Roanoke, Inc. is a tax-exempt organization first chartered in 1960 to provide services and support to downtown property owners, businesses and residents. DRI provides services throughout the Downtown Service District under a contract with the City of Roanoke and also manages the Historic Roanoke City Market, which is the oldest continuously operating open-air market in Virginia.
We need an organization like DRI, Inc to help businesses and residents understand where downtown is headed. Our dysfunctional city government seems to be unable to know what to do with our most valuable resource, the City Market and its vendors. I have been so tired of listening to the vendors in the market building constantly complaining. I would like to see a strong voice downtown promoting tourism and giving the residents some re:assurance that the efforts by the City have not been wasted. My biggest interest is for DRI to upgrade its website for potential visitors. To help businesses, the site should offer visitors more info on a particulart shop, restaurant or attraction. At the present the site just puts businesses in a list and hopes the visitor will find all of the attractions. If we want more tourism, we should be prepared to pay for the
advertising!