The Chinatown-International District Business Improvement Association (CIDBIA) recently announced Jessa Timmer as its new executive director.
Founded in 1994, the CIDBIA works to improve and promote Seattle’s Chinatown-International District. In addition to providing sanitation services, the CIDBIA coordinates several of the neighborhood’s major events including Dragon Fest, the Lunar New Year Celebration, Night Market and Autumn Moon Festival. The CIDBIA also advocates on behalf of its constituents with respect to a host of public policy, planning, and quality‐of‐life issues.
“We are excited to welcome Jessa Timmer as our Executive Director. Jessa’s energy and wealth of experience were paramount in our decision,” said CIDBIA board president Ken Louie in a statement. “Her leadership qualities will be welcomed by the community as we all get to know and work with her. Jessa will be a passionate leader for the C/ID community during future challenges and opportunities.”
Timmer has a background working on business development at Neighborhood Ventures, a community business organization, and the State of Michigan’s Main Street program. CIDBIA said Timmer also has extensive background in community engagement, capacity building and organizational leadership, and has worked extensively with property owners, businesses and community members to build successful and thriving commercial districts. Timmer earned a Master’s in Public Administration with an emphasis on Urban and Regional Policy and Planning from Grand Valley State University in Michigan
“I am excited about the opportunity to step into this position as the CIDBIA is poised for growth and success,” Timmer said in a statement. “I am committed to preserving the unique identity and history of the Chinatown/International District while taking it to the next level. Through strategic collaboration with business owners, community leaders, and city officials and staff, the CIDBIA will continue to make the neighborhood a great place to work, live, and play.”
For more information about the CIDBIA, visit www.cidbia.org.
