Get to Know Our Executive Director

With one month complete as Executive Director of Downtown Wabash, Inc., Kristen Petruniw has already begun making waves in our organization. She has brought fresh perspectives, a contagious energy and a wealth of experience to our team. We have loved working with Kristen and getting to know the incredible person she is. Keep reading to find out more about Kristen’s professional background, discover her passion for downtown and enjoy a fun Q & A! 

Passion in Action

Kristen previously worked in the education sector as a School Counselor for Marion Community Schools. Since then, she has been dedicated to investing in her family as well as advocating for our local community. She currently serves as the program director for the Wabash County Blessings in a Backpack program, as well as Vice President of the Wabash City Schools School Board.

Within these roles, Kristen oversees grant funding, spearheads fundraising initiatives, collaborates on community projects and advocates for our community’s student and staff population. She also spent six years as board chairman of the Wabash County Museum Board investing in Downtown Wabash through museum events and programming efforts.

With an impressive background rooted in community involvement, Kristen brings extensive nonprofit expertise in financial management, grant funding and fundraising initiatives to our organization. During her first month, she has shown a dedication to understanding our downtown community at its core. She has been committed to connecting with downtown business owners, delving into meaningful conversations about the trajectory and aspirations of our organization.

Kristen’s approach has conveyed a genuine desire to understand our downtown community while striving to form an atmosphere of collaboration going forward. All the while she has seamlessly been learning the essential functions of her position and preparing to uphold our mission and vision.

Q & A with Kristen

Q: How are you feeling after one month with Downtown Wabash, Inc.?

• A: Excited! We have been working so hard here this last month on what Downtown Wabash Inc. means to our community and what we are here to do and can help with. We have a lot of new ideas and some old ones that we are working to come to fruition. I am very proud of our team and what we have accomplished this last month.

Q: What have you learned in your first month with Downtown Wabash, Inc.?

• A: I have learned A LOT! One of my favorite things I have learned is how passionate our community is about downtown. Not to mention how incredibly generous our investors and community leaders are. Everyone has ideas, suggestions and feedback on how to continue to keep our downtown thriving. I love all of the feedback we have gotten and always welcome more!

Q: What has been your favorite part of the Executive Director role so far? 

• A: My favorite part of my role is getting to speak with all of our investors, partners, merchants, and stakeholders in the community. Working together to help make downtown Wabash even more remarkable than it already is. I am really excited for the future of Wabash!

Q: What is your favorite Downtown Wabash, Inc. event?

• A: It is so hard to choose just one!  My husband and I love the farmer’s market and being able to purchase local and fresh food for the week. My kids love First Fridays, getting a huge bucket of candy at the Trick or Treat Extravaganza and being able to watch the courthouse lighting at Jingle Jubilee!

Q: What is your favorite thing about Downtown Wabash? 

• A: My favorite thing about Downtown Wabash is the diversity of offerings we have. Downtown provides a wide variety of stores and restaurants catering to a range of preferences.

Q: Do you have a favorite memory in Downtown Wabash? 

• A: Private events in the Cloud Club at Charley Creek Inn, a good friend’s wedding reception in the ballroom of The Eagles, concerts and shows with my family and friends at the Honeywell Center and taking my children to the museum (and witnessing the museum’s amazing transformation over the years) have all been experiences that I will never forget!

Q: After one month as Executive Director, what would you say are your big goals / projects for 2024?

• A: One of the things we are working on is our transition from a membership model to an investor model. Memberships felt exclusive. Here at Downtown Wabash, we want to showcase all the amazing businesses we have in our downtown area. We are hopeful our community will recognize the impact our organization has on downtown and be willing to invest and/or partner with us in our events to help us grow and thrive!

The downtown community has quickly embraced Kristen and our team is eager to see the immense impact her leadership will have on Downtown Wabash, Inc. Her dedication and proactive attitude is set to move our strategic plan initiatives forward. 

“With the hiring of Kristen as our new Executive Director, Downtown Wabash, Inc. is poised to make significant strides in our district, from the river to the rails, in alignment with our 2030 strategic plan” says Downtown Wabash, Inc. Board President, Neil Bever. “The board is excited to join forces with Kristen to cultivate a downtown that thrives for generations to come.”