New Executive Director Of Downtown Westfield Corporation Selected

WESTFIELD, NJ — Samantha Horning has been selected as the new Executive Director of The Downtown Westfield Corporation (DWC), effective Jan. 3.

Prior Executive Director Bob Zuckerman announced his resignation at a board meeting in May, as he accepted a position as Executive Director of the Red Bank River Center. The DWC has been on the hunt for a new director ever since.

According to the DWC, Horning is "an established entrepreneur" with a long-standing marketing consulting business. She has worked closely with multiple Special Improvement Districts in New Jersey to support their communications, marketing and branding initiatives to further downtown economic development efforts.

Her broad experience encompasses event planning, launch marketing and on-site support for merchants, according to the DWC.

“I am thrilled with the DWC Board’s selection of Samantha as their new Executive Director,” said Mayor Shelley Brindle. “As the post-pandemic revitalization of Downtown Westfield enters a very exciting phase, Samantha is the right leader to usher our downtown into this new chapter. Her resourcefulness, vision, insight, and ‘can-do’ approach to problem solving – in addition to her experience in working with SIDs to execute on their goals – makes her a fantastic choice.”

In her new role, Horning will be responsible for overall day to day management of the DWC Special Improvement District, which includes oversight of the economic development strategy of Westfield’s historic downtown; developing and executing promotional, marketing, and communication strategies to support and recruit businesses; and serving as the primary liaison between the DWC Board, property owners, and the SID businesses.

Horning will report to the DWC Board and will oversee DWC staff, budget and Main Street reporting.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Downtown Westfield Corporation as the Executive Director,” said Horning. “Westfield has a long-standing reputation as a premier downtown in New Jersey, and I look forward to working closely with the DWC Board, Town officials, and property and business owners to ensure that the downtown business community is supported and set up for long-term success.”

The DWC Search Committee included Board members Lew Kimble (Chair), Councilwoman Emily Root, SID business and property owner Lillian Pien, SID property owner Anthony DiTomasso, SID business owner Kelly Richardson and Town Administrator James Gildea.