August 6th, 2020 by WCBC Radio
The Cumberland Downtown Development Commission is pleased to announce that they have hired Melinda Kelleher to serve as its Executive Director/Main Street Manager. Kelleher is a graduate of Brenau Women’s College in Gainseville, GA. She recently moved to Cumberland to be close to family.
She is a highly accomplished fundraising and development professional with 26 years of experience. In 2018 she was recruited to be the first Vice President of Development at Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities. Prior to that she served as Chief Development Officer at Atlanta Habitat for Humanity.
Her office will be located on the ground floor of City Hall where she will be focusing initially on assisting downtown businesses through the challenges of the Covid pandemic. She will also be working with the Cumberland Economic Development Corporation to inform and assist downtown businesses and building owners through the Baltimore Street redevelopment. She will begin her job on September 8, 2020.
The DDC had 34 applicants for this position and many were considered well qualified, however, Kellher’s past experience in team building, implementing strategic plans and developing relationships seemed to make her exceptionally well suited to fill this position during the challenges that are currently facing the downtown stakeholders and that will certainly be present during redevelopment.
"We had a great group of candidates for this job. We think Kelleher will add great value to our stakeholders," said Doug Schwab, chair of the search committee.
August 06, 2020 at 11:12 am, Bob said:
She seems a vast improvement over her predecessor so we can only presume that she won’t stay long.
August 06, 2020 at 12:10 pm, jim said:
What is her plan to deal with the homeless?
August 06, 2020 at 1:44 pm, Ken said:
Looks like Sandi hired a suit to sit at desk at the end of her career to take a very hands on job. Like Bob I doubt this hire will last long. The DDC & CEDC infighting will push her out the door before a single brick is dug up.
August 06, 2020 at 2:29 pm, Jay said:
I would be interested to know her salary unless it’s kept confidential.
August 06, 2020 at 3:30 pm, Ken said:
The window was 40-70 with full benies… so quite a nice little package I’m sure for someone to sit behind a desk.
August 06, 2020 at 5:05 pm, John said:
Congratulations! Another big win for the city. It been a good year for the City of Cumberland government.