Downtown Bellingham Partnership hires new executive director after nationwide search

The Downtown Bellingham Partnership, a nonprofit organization “dedicated to furthering the vibrancy and growth of our downtown,” has a new permanent executive director, according to a recent news release.

Lindsey Payne Johnstone, the new executive director, has served as the interim executive director since January 2024 and has been involved with the partnership for 15 years.

“In her previous role as Program Director, Lindsey oversaw all aspects of the organization’s programs and events with passion and dedication. Notably, Lindsey has been the common thread through Downtown Sounds’ growth from an alleyway concert series to a five-block urban music festival prepared to celebrate 20 years of free community celebration this summer and welcome an estimated 4,500 people to the Downtown core ...” the news release states.

Johnston not only played a key role in the partnership through events and tourism, but through navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Lindsey, and the Downtown Bellingham Partnership, have also elevated their impact beyond events to include meaningful business support and advocacy programs in recent years as the neighborhood navigated the onset, duration, and aftereffects brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. She is poised to embody the Main Street America approach, a formal accreditation the Downtown Bellingham Partnership caries, which emboldens community transformation through activities in four pillars: economic vitality, design, promotion, and organization,” the news release states.

As the executive direct, Johnston now leads a staff of five full-time employees, seven seasonal cleaning and landscaping members and volunteers at events and services.

“I am excited to formally lead the organization I have developed not only my career with, but that has such a vital role in cultivating prosperity for our business community and meaningful experiences for our residents, tourists, and workers. Working alongside a new wave of leadership throughout City and County government allows us all to think beyond the status quo and invest in new ideas,” Johnston wrote in the news release.