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Matthew Anthony has been selected as the new executive director of Experience Chehalis, the organization announced in a news release on Thursday.
Anthony will officially begin in the role on Nov. 16. He’ll take over for Annalee Tobey, who was the first director for the organization and served in the position for nine years.
Anthony brings more than 20 years of experience in community development, downtown revitalization, strategic planning, marketing and economic development, according to the news release.
“Anthony joins Experience Chehalis with an extensive background in corporate, nonprofit and municipal leadership, along with a passion for creating vibrant, thriving communities through strategic planning, business development and community engagement,” the news release stated.
Most recently, Anthony has done contract work with the Centralia Downtown Association.
He also served as community engagement director for the City of Lenoir Main Street Program in North Carolina. During his time there, he spearheaded the city's first-ever Downtown Master Plan, developed inclusive entrepreneurship initiatives and secured state and federal grant funding for historic preservation and business development, the news release stated.
His leadership during the pandemic earned statewide recognition, including North Carolina Main Street's 2022 award for Best Economic Recovery Initiative, according to the release.
In addition to his community development experience, Anthony brings a strong background in creative direction, branding, marketing, design and placemaking.
“His work has included developing marketing campaigns, overseen digital and web projects, and implementing community-driven initiatives that connect culture, commerce and community identity, the news release stated. “He also brings international nonprofit experience spanning 24 countries and is credentialed as a Historic Real Estate Development Finance Professional through the National Development Council.”
As executive director, Anthony will lead Experience Chehalis' efforts to support downtown businesses, strengthen community partnerships, promote Chehalis as a destination and advance downtown revitalization initiatives.
He will also oversee organizational operations and staff while working closely with the board of directors, local businesses, community partners and residents to help shape the future of downtown Chehalis.
"We are excited to welcome Matthew to Experience Chehalis," said Brian Wilkins, president of the Experience Chehalis Board of Directors. "His experience in downtown revitalization, strategic planning and community engagement brings valuable expertise to our organization. We look forward to the leadership and fresh perspective he will bring as we continue working to strengthen our downtown and support the businesses and community that make Chehalis special."
Anthony is passionate about helping communities build inclusive, resilient economies and believes that meaningful progress comes through collaboration, thoughtful planning and a shared vision for the future, the news release stated.
Learn more about Experience Chehalis at https://experiencechehalis.com.
