Downtown Greensboro, Inc. President & CEO Zack Matheny to Step Down After 11 Years

Greensboro, NC — Downtown Greensboro, Inc. (DGI) and President & CEO Zack Matheny announced today that he will step down after 11 years of leadership guiding the organization and helping shape the continued growth and revitalization of downtown Greensboro.

Since joining DGI in 2015, Matheny has played a key role in expanding the organization’s programs, strengthening community partnerships, and championing initiatives designed to enhance the vibrancy, safety, and economic vitality of downtown. His tenure included leading the organization through significant growth as well as navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, while helping position downtown for recovery and renewed momentum.

"It has been an extraordinary honor to serve this organization and the city for the past 11 years and I look forward to pursuing new opportunities," said Matheny. “Together, we have worked to shape Downtown Greensboro into a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming environment. These achievements were made possible by current and past staff who are passionate about downtown, a visionary Board of Directors, and critical partners committed to its vitality. I am confident the organization is well-positioned for continued success, and I look forward to supporting the Board and DGI team as they begin the next chapter.”

Key accomplishments during Matheny’s tenure include:

Launching the Downtown Ambassador and Street Outreach team, enhancing safety, hospitality, and daily engagement throughout the downtown district.
Expanding the organization’s role in managing signature community events, including Fun Fourth, Festival of Lights, and the holiday tree lighting, the Downtown Holiday Parade, and the Downtown Music Festival; events that bring thousands of residents and visitors downtown each year.
Leading downtown recovery and reactivation efforts during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, raising more than $449,375 from 73 corporate donors and 106 individuals to support downtown restaurants and retail businesses.
Establishing “the BORO” district initiative to encourage focused investment, development, and new activity in key downtown corridors.
Serving in leadership roles at the state and national levels, including President of the North Carolina Downtown Developers Association and as a board member of the International Downtown Association.

“As our organization closes the chapter on our 30th anniversary, it is with profound gratitude that we acknowledge Zack’s leadership and dedication to Downtown Greensboro,” said Stu Nichols, Board Chair of Downtown Greensboro, Inc. “For more than a decade, Zack has been a passionate advocate for our downtown and has helped guide the organization through periods of growth, challenge, and opportunity. As we enter a new era, the Board is committed to a thoughtful and inclusive leadership transition that builds on Zack’s legacy while positioning Downtown Greensboro for continued impact.”

DGI Vice President Rob Overman will serve as interim Executive Director. A search committee will be established to launch the formal search for DGI’s next Executive Director, prioritizing a transparent and inclusive process that engages staff, stakeholders, and the community. Details on the search process and timeline will be announced in the coming weeks.

About Downtown Greensboro, Inc.
Downtown Greensboro, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the vitality, growth, and stewardship of downtown Greensboro through economic development, events, public space activation, and partnerships with residents, businesses, and civic leaders.

###