FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATCHEZ, MS – The Downtown Natchez Alliance (DNA) announces a leadership transition as Executive Director Leah Hunter plans to step into a new professional opportunity, building on the experience gained during her time with the organization. Hunter resigned her position effective April 9, after one year of service.
“We wish Leah every success as she carries her experience with DNA forward into a new professional chapter, said 2026 DNA Board President Elizabeth Greer. Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson expressed appreciation for Hunter’s professionalism in working with the city, keeping the city informed and engaged. “Regular communication strengthens our partnership with DNA and our downtown stakeholders,” Gibson said. “I’m glad Leah will be sticking around so she can continue to be part of our downtown success story.”
At a recent meeting to discuss the transition, Mayor Gibson and Greer reviewed the ongoing projects, partnerships, and initiatives, reaffirming that there will be no lapse in momentum as the DNA board and volunteers carry on with the organization’s strategic plan. Gibson and Greer agree that the formula for DNA and downtown’s success is rooted in teamwork, a collaborative spirit, irrepressible optimism, and, most importantly, a genuine love for Downtown Natchez.
“Just look around. Downtown has never looked better,” said Gibson. “You’ll see more than two dozen new awnings and façade improvements—the result of DNA’s ARPA incentive grant program. And think about all the great DNA events we’ve enjoyed, from the Pumpkin Patch to the Possibility Tours. This is more than progress. It’s love and community pride in action.”
As DNA enters its next chapter, the organization will continue to operate under a “working board” Main Street model, with board members taking an active role in advancing the strategic plan through the four-point approach: Design, Promotion, Economic Vitality, and Organization. This proven model emphasizes broad community engagement while building long-term stability and resilience.
DNA is especially well-positioned for this transition, having attracted a deeply talented and committed board in a relatively short time.
DNA Vice President T.J. Baggett, now in her fifth year of service, has witnessed the organization’s steady growth and increasing impact. As Chief Operating Officer of Downtown’s largest employer, Loss Preventions Services (LPS), Baggett brings both operational expertise and a long-range perspective. She noted that with the recent expansion to 11 members—including a CPA, an attorney, and professionals with expertise in organizational management—DNA now has one of its strongest and most diverse boards to date.
At its February 3, 2026, Annual Meeting, DNA welcomed new officers and directors. Elizabeth Greer, who previously served as Secretary and chaired the Promotion Team—including leading the inaugural Pet Mayor Election in 2025—now serves as Board President, bringing both continuity and energy to the role. Greer, a retired public school administrator, manages Beaumont House Bed & Breakfast on Main Street, as well as the Eastern National Gift Shops for the local National Park Service sites. She is active on the boards of the Natchez Little Theatre and the Natchez Bed & Breakfast Association.
The 2026 officer slate also includes Kassie Dollar, CPA and partner at Silas Simmons LLP, as Treasurer; Lorri Alles, Firm Administrator at Gillon Christian Mosby PLLC and regional trustee for Kiwanis, as Secretary; attorney Tim Blalock as President-elect; Norma West, Trustee Pro Tempore of Zion Chapel AME Church, as Immediate Past President; and T.J. Baggett as Vice President.
Additional board members bring a wide range of expertise and community connection, including communications and marketing professional Sheila Duffy-Lehrmann; WTYJ radio personality and ArtsNatchez manager Leon Hollins; retired architect and preservation advocate Liz Dantone; Conner Burns of Conner Burns Pottery and Battalion Chief, Natchez Fire Department; and documentary film producer Chesney Doyle. DNA is also served by board advisor and trainer Dian Lusher, digital media specialist Michael Wilson, bookkeeper Becky Gwin, and the marketing firm, Imaginary Company.
“DNA has built strong momentum in recent years, and each March we align that progress through our Board Strategic Planning Retreat,” said Baggett. “Our 2026 retreat, facilitated by the Community Foundation of Mississippi, established one-year goals that include supporting the city’s wayfinding project, expanding volunteer opportunities, and creating an endowment fund. As we move forward, we will remain flexible while staying aligned with the city’s priorities and the Downtown Master Plan, with a continued focus on long-term economic sustainability for downtown Natchez.”
Building on that momentum, DNA now turns its focus to one of its signature initiatives—bringing people, properties, and possibility together in a hands-on way.
Sponsored by local lenders, realtors, and developers, with funding from the Community Foundation of Mississippi, Downtown Unlocked offers a unique opportunity to step inside available downtown spaces, explore their potential, and connect with local experts on investment and business opportunities. Whether a business owner, investor, or simply someone who loves downtown, attendees will experience firsthand where Natchez’s future can grow.
The event will take place Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 326 Main Street and is free and open to the public. Complimentary coffee, pastries, and mimosas will kick off the day with a toast to DNA’s downtown champions, followed by keynote speaker Dr. Rachel Carter of Mississippi State University’s Center for Government & Community Development. Carter specializes in community and economic development, market analysis, and strategic action planning, and is widely recognized for helping communities turn ideas into measurable progress.
Downtown Unlocked is part of DNA’s ongoing work to support placemaking and downtown living, helping bring new life to historic spaces in the heart of Natchez.
“We thank Mayor Dan Gibson, the Board of Aldermen, our partners, donors, and volunteers for their continued support,” said Greer. “DNA’s mission remains to advance downtown Natchez as a vibrant, sustainable district in alignment with the Downtown Master Plan and the National Main Street Approach.”
