Sean Maher named Downtown Boulder's New Executive Director

Maher brings extensive experience to the position as an entrepreneur and former head of the Boulder Economic Council and the Small Business Development Center at the Chamber of Commerce. He is also a current member of the Downtown Boulder, Inc. board of directors and the Downtown Management Commission.

It was formally announced late yesterday afternoon that Sean Maher has been selected Executive Director of Downtown Boulder's Business Improvement District (BID). Working with the city of Boulder and the BID's non-profit partner, Downtown Boulder, Incorporated (DBI), the Downtown Boulder BID is leading a spirit of cooperation among property owners, businesses and the community by providing a range of enhanced management programs including maintenance, marketing, economic vitality and physical improvements. These program areas of the Downtown Boulder BID are designed to retain, expand and attract businesses and investment to improve the downtown environment.

"We were fortunate enough to have had some outstanding candidates apply for the position," said Downtown Boulder's BID Chairman, Jake Puzio. "Sean's experience from the small business sector as well as his familiarity with the Downtown Boulder community and his knowledge of city and county operations makes him an ideal choice to lead Downtown Boulder into the future and ensure the success of the BID." Added Cindy Ward, chair of DBI, "Sean is a smart business man and well respected within the Boulder community. We are thrilled that he has accepted the position and look forward to working with him to ensure Downtown Boulder's continued success as a premiere business and recreation destination."

Maher has been active in Boulder's business community since 1989. Most recently, he served as Director of the Boulder Economic Council where he co-founded the Boulder Innovation Center and launched Boulder's first business incentive program. Prior to the BEC, Maher headed the Small Business Development Center at the Chamber of Commerce. Before joining the Chamber, Maher brought the first Ben & Jerry's franchise stores to Colorado and founded a multi-unit retail business featuring gourmet foods made in the Rocky Mountains. He was also a partner in Terra Communications, a marketing communications firm serving national clients. Prior to his entrepreneurial ventures, Maher worked as a marketing consultant with Sterling-Rice Group.

He holds an Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Colorado and a marketing degree from the University of Montana. "I am honored and excited to join the Downtown Boulder team. Having been active as a downtown board member, volunteer and business owner for many years, I have a true passion for this place. I am grateful for the opportunity and look forward to getting down to business. 2009 will be a challenging year but there are many opportunities to keep downtown moving forward and make it even stronger in the future," said Maher.