“Downtown revitalization is more than buildings—it’s about fostering pride, creating opportunity, and writing the next chapter of the city’s story together. ”

–Leah Gibson Hunter
Executive Director, Downtown Natchez Alliance

Meet the Executive Director

Leah Gibson Hunter is the executive director of the Downtown Natchez Alliance. A Mississippi native with a strong background in community outreach, strategic communications, and civic engagement, she stepped into her role on April 28, 2025, with energy and enthusiasm for DNA’s mission and the city’s future.

“I’ve dedicated my career to connecting people, places, and purpose,” said Hunter. “This role is both a professional calling and a personal mission. Downtown revitalization is more than buildings—it’s about fostering pride, creating opportunity, and writing the next chapter of the city’s story together.”

As executive director, she will oversee DNA’s operations, community engagement, and programming. Hunter will play a key role in advancing the city’s award-winning Downtown Master Plan in close partnership with city leadership, DNA’s board, and local stakeholders. Her focus includes community-driven placemaking, sustainable economic development, support for local entrepreneurs, and creative reactivation of underutilized spaces. Key initiatives include revitalizing key anchor areas such as the Bluff/Broadway Street Entertainment area, the MLK Triangle, and Arts District, while using DNA’s retail market studies to attract essential downtown businesses and promote downtown living.

Hunter will also serve as the organization’s liaison to the Mississippi Main Street Association and Main Street America, which offer a nationally proven framework for comprehensive, preservation-based downtown development. Since its inception, DNA has been committed to advancing downtown revitalization through its strategic work plan based on this model. “The Main Street framework empowers communities to take charge of their own revitalization,” she stated. “I look forward to advancing that mission here in Natchez.”

“Leah brings a bold, fresh outlook that honors our history while building our future. She understands that the heart of Downtown Natchez is its people—and she’s committed to helping that heart beat even stronger. I’m confident her leadership will inspire great things for our city.”

–Dan M. Gibson
Mayor, The City of Natchez

Raised in Starkville, Mississippi among generations of hard-working Southerners and small business owners, Hunter sees Natchez as emblematic of Mississippi’s promise. “A great deal of Natchez reminds me of what I love about Mississippi—it’s full of promise,” she said. “I believe in dedicating homegrown talent back into the places that raise us, and in the power of communities rebuilding with the people in their own backyards.”

Hunter holds a Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Student Affairs and Higher Education from Mississippi State University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism with a minor in English from The University of Mississippi. In addition to her formal degrees, Hunter holds a certificate in Foundations of Project Management (Google x Coursera) and brings technical fluency with tools such as Microsoft, Asana and other tools essential for organizing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.

Professionally, she has worked across public health, education, and nonprofit sectors—developing outreach campaigns, leading community initiatives, and producing events in collaboration with institutions and companies like LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, Mississippi State University, Mississippi University for Women, and regional business coalitions. Throughout her career, she has paired her academic foundation in communications with hands-on leadership in digital strategy and engagement. She served as an Associate Video Producer for Southern Living, launched MSU’s first Social Media Influencer Program, and created strategic marketing campaigns that grew MSU’s digital presence.

“I’ve seen firsthand how much potential lives here—not just in the buildings or the bluff, but in the people, the stories, and the culture that make Natchez unique,” said Hunter. “This role is more than a job—it’s a chance to pour everything I’ve learned into a place I’ve chosen to call home.”

–Leah Gibson Hunter
Executive Director, Downtown Natchez Alliance

After their initial meeting, Mayor Dan Gibson emphasized Leah’s alignment with the city’s long-term goals. Hunter agreed that DNA’s mission, coupled with the city’s Downtown Master Plan, wasn’t just aspirational — it was actionable. “I could see where my experiences aligned, where my ideas could add value, and how my approach to collaboration could continue to breathe life back into downtown,” said Hunter. “Leah brings a bold, fresh outlook that honors our history while building our future,” said Mayor Gibson. “She understands that the heart of downtown Natchez is its people—and she’s committed to helping that heart beat even stronger. I’m confident her leadership will inspire great things for our city.”