The executive director of the Downtown 麻豆精选 Association (DKA) is retiring.
Mark Burley will step down from the position in June, after more than six years in the lead role of the Business Improvement Association (BIA). It鈥檚 the second loss to the DKA in a week. On Jan. 15, Brent Lobson announced he was stepping down as the Director of Operations.
In a media release, Burley said there are still a few projects he wants to complete before he leaves.
鈥淏ut I鈥檝e really enjoyed my time with the DKA, connecting with the members, and working alongside our board of directors,鈥� he added. 鈥淭o be honest though, I鈥檓 looking forward to having more time to enjoy the Okanagan lifestyle with my family鈥�.
During his time at the DKA, Burley said the organization expanded its On-Street Services department, introduced professional management systems and processes to those programs resulting in greater efficiencies, delivered numerous outstanding promotions and events, and marketed the downtown as a positive, safe, and welcoming destination in our city.
Burley noted that as one of the first provincial BIA鈥檚 to be established, the DKA has become a leader in programs and initiatives with other communities looking to emulate its success.
Under his watch, the Downtown On Call and Clean Team programs expanded, the city and Uptown Rutland Business Association (URBA) sought his expertise to help establish the URBA On Call Team in 2023, and downtown 鈥淪how 鈥榥 Shine鈥� was established.
鈥淢ark was the right person at the right time to help steer the DKA back to its proper course of advocating for our members and creating initiatives that benefited not only our downtown but all of 麻豆精选,鈥� said Renata Mills, president of the DKA Board of Directors. 鈥淲e needed a person with both business savvy and the ability to build positive relationships with key stakeholders. Mark excelled in these areas and has done great work on behalf of the downtown community during his tenure.鈥�
Burley鈥檚 retirement takes effect following the DKA鈥檚 Annual General Meeting in June.
