Our Team
Some of our community's greatest advocates call the Downtown Bellingham Partnership home. Get to know both the people behind the organization and why they make our team as vibrant as our city.
Lindsey Payne Johnstone
Interim Executive Director
lindsey@downtownbellingham.com
The year 2008 was big for Lindsey and Downtown Bellingham's story when she joined the Partnership as an event planning intern during her last quarter at WWU. Since then, her role as evolved, from Events Manager to Program Director to Interim Executive Director.
Lindsey's love for the downtown community and its unique identity fuels her passion for the work and vision of the organization and the district.
Outside of the office, you can find Lindsey spending time with family and friends enjoying wine, snacks, music, connection, and laughter.
Jenny Hagemann
Development & Communications Manager
jenny@downtownbellingham.com
Jenny's path to the partnership was carved by entrepreneurship. She owned and managed Thousand Acre Cider House in the heart of Downtown Bellingham for over two years, but changed direction as result of the COVID-19 pandemic's duration.
Bringing both small business management and corporate sales and marketing experience, Jenny enthusiastically champions Bellingham's evolution and growth.
When not promoting our downtown businesses and programs, you'll find Jenny enjoying a craft beverage or at Mount Baker with her partner and two dogs.
David Sadowsky
Office & Finance Manager
david@downtownbellingham.com
David moved to Bellingham in 2022 and is excited to work for an organization that directly impacts the community he resides in.
David has over 20 years of experience in Nonprofit Administration at all levels of organizational hierarchy. He supports the work of dedicated programming staff by working behind the scenes, measuring and marketing the financial/social/community impact these programs have, raising both earned and contributed income along the way.
David’s background is in the dance industry, where as Artistic Director of David Wes Dance his show was named “Must See Dance” by the Boston Metro and “Dance Pick of the Week” by the Boston Globe.
Nathalie Wagler
Community Engagement Manager
nathalie@downtownbellingham.com
Originally from Billings, Montana, Nathalie relocated to Bellingham in 2018 to pursue her education at WWU. Her downtown adventure began during the midst of lockdown when she became a downtown resident and employee at a retail boutique.
Nathalie made her way to DBP in 2022 and feels so lucky to contribute to the vibrant neighborhood she calls home.
Outside of the Partnership, you can find Nathalie chasing sunsets, exploring trails, or finding the best new happy hour spot.
Kaelyn Melrose
Administrative Assistant
kaelyn@downtownbellingham.com
Kaelyn works on behind-the-scenes admin work at DBP, making sure we are up to date on everything so the office can run smoothly and effectively!
When she’s not in the office you can find her enjoy eating lots of local vegan food with her partner, watching the beautiful Bellingham sunsets, and going road-tripping/camping in her Subaru.
Kenny Austin
Landscaping & Maintenance Supervisor
landscaping@downtownbellingham.com
Kenny is a life-long resident of the PNW, and has lived in Bellingham since 1998. He uses over 20 years of landscaping and maintenance experience to keep downtown clean and vibrant. Look for his bright orange vest around town!
When he’s not tending the garden beds and flower baskets of downtown, you can find him kayaking in Bellingham Bay, hiking in the North Cascades, or enjoying a beer at Chuckanut Brewery. A few more fun facts about Kenny… He is obsessed with all things Canada, has visited over 35 countries, and is a legitimate wine expert.
Kenny shares his adventures with his partner, three kids, and hamster named Petey.
Alec Howard
Landscape and Clean Team Assistant
“First we shape the cities – then they shape us...” is a quote by Jan Gehl that speaks to Alec.
A vibrant community has a public space that cares about the people who use it, and Alec is excited to contribute to making downtown a more enjoyable place for everyone. Alec brings farming and permaculture experience and an enthusiasm for urban design to the Partnership’s Landscaping team.
You can find Alec ordering an oat milk latte from Avellino, perusing the aisles of the Co-op, or catching a film at the Pickford. Or, feel free to say hi if you see Alec around town working in an orange vest.