Downtown Indy, Inc. names Taylor Schaffer its next President/CEO

INDIANAPOLIS - - Downtown Indy, Inc. (DII) announced today that Taylor Schaffer has been unanimously selected by its board to be the next President and CEO of the organization. Schaffer will become the organization’s third president, following Sherry Seiwert’s resignation this past April. DII is the private, nonprofit, civic organization focused on Downtown Indianapolis’ economic growth, livability and vitality.

“This is a great day for Indianapolis and specifically Downtown,” said DII board chair Bill Browne, founder of RATIO Architects and a Downtown resident himself. “Taylor brings her proven leadership skills around collaboration, economic development and civic growth to us at a time when Downtown has begun a historic transformation. Her passion for and knowledge of Downtown are further exemplified by the fact that she has worked and lived in Downtown since she started her career here. Her vision for Downtown and our organization impressed us during the search process, and we look forward to what lies ahead.”

Schaffer has been a senior leader in the Hogsett Administration since 2016, serving first as the Communications Director and eventually the Chief of Staff and Chief Deputy Mayor. Prior to joining the City, Schaffer served as a marketing/communication strategist and account leader at Indianapolis-based advertising agencies Young & Laramore and Bandy Carroll Hellige. She currently serves many local nonprofits as a board member, including Visit Indy, Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center, and the Athenaeum Foundation, utilizing her expertise in fundraising, event planning, and strategic partnerships.

With a professional background that includes a diverse mix of experiences that span the corporate, non- profit, and government sectors, Schaffer says she is poised to take on this critical role. “I am thrilled for the opportunity to take on this new role and look forward to ensuring that Downtown Indy, Inc. continues to serve as an advocate and champion for its members, as well as the residents and stakeholders of Downtown,” said Schaffer. “Our capital city’s Downtown is the economic engine for the state and one of the fastest growing neighborhoods in Central Indiana – with near-daily news of new investment and transformative change. I will benefit from a legacy of leadership that has brought us to this critical juncture and I’m looking forward to embracing the spirit of collaboration that has been the hallmark of progress in Downtown Indianapolis.”

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett agreed. “From explosive growth in housing in the Mile Square, to the robust development of major properties, to the unprecedented level of public safety investment, Downtown is in a strong position to thrive in this post-pandemic era,” said Mayor Hogsett. “Taylor Schaffer has been a key leader in making this comprehensive progress possible, and I am confident that her experience, relationships, and enthusiasm for our community will only help propel Downtown Indy, Inc. into the future.”

“Taylor is an incredible collaborator and leader, and we are thrilled to welcome her as our next president,” said DII Executive Vice President Bob Schultz, who has led the organization as interim president since Siewert resigned. “I look forward to working alongside her as we redouble our efforts to accelerate Downtown’s transformation and engage with our stakeholders. I’ve personally known Taylor for years and I am confident she will propel us and advocate for our Downtown with passionate energy, a competitive spirit and a sense of urgency.”

Schaffer will assume her DII position on October 3.

-30-

Downtown Indy, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit organization uniquely positioned to address issues that affect the area’s growth and well-being. Downtown Indy, Inc. focuses on development, management, activation and marketing to advance Downtown as a great place to live, learn, work and visit.