Downtown Greensboro, Inc. (DGI) President and CEO Zack Matheny announced this week that he will step down from his position after leading the downtown development organization for just over a decade.

Matheny has served as the head of DGI since 2015 – during a period when that nonprofit group expanded its programs and increased its role in organizing major downtown events and initiatives.

In a statement announcing his departure, Matheny said it’s been a pleasure to lead the organization and help shape the future of downtown Greensboro.

“It has been an extraordinary honor to serve this organization and the city for the past 11 years and I look forward to pursuing new opportunities,” Matheny said in the announcement. “Together, we have worked to shape Downtown Greensboro into a vibrant, inclusive and welcoming environment. These achievements were made possible by current and past staff who are passionate about downtown, a visionary Board of Directors and critical partners committed to its vitality.”

Matheny said he now plans to support the organization during the leadership transition.

“I am confident the organization is well-positioned for continued success and I look forward to supporting the Board and DGI team as they begin the next chapter,” he added.

During Matheny’s tenure, DGI expanded several initiatives aimed at improving the downtown area and drawing more visitors and activity to the city center.

Among the programs launched during that time was the Downtown Ambassador and Street Outreach team, which provides hospitality services, safety assistance and outreach to people throughout the downtown district.

The organization also expanded its role in managing major community events that attract thousands of residents and visitors every year, including Fun Fourth, Festival of Lights, the downtown holiday tree lighting, the Downtown Holiday Parade and the Downtown Music Festival.

Despite all the positives, downtown Greensboro has had some big challenges in recent years, including a major homeless population, noise complaints from downtown residents and a huge parking problem.

Matheny oversaw efforts to help downtown businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the organization, DGI raised more than $449,000 from corporate donors and individual contributors to support downtown restaurants and retail businesses during that period.

Another initiative developed during his time leading the organization was the creation of “the BORO,” a district-focused effort intended to encourage investment and development in specific downtown corridors.

Matheny also served in leadership roles outside the city, including as president of the North Carolina Downtown Developers Association and as a board member of the International Downtown Association.

DGI Board Chair Stu Nichols said the board appreciates Matheny’s work during his time leading the group.

“As our organization closes the chapter on our 30th anniversary, it is with profound gratitude that we acknowledge Zack’s leadership and dedication to Downtown Greensboro,” Nichols said. “For more than a decade, Zack has been a passionate advocate for our downtown and has helped guide the organization through periods of growth, challenge and opportunity.”

Nichols said the board plans to conduct a leadership transition that includes input from staff and community stakeholders.

“As we enter a new era, the Board is committed to a thoughtful and inclusive leadership transition that builds on Zack’s legacy while positioning Downtown Greensboro for continued impact,” Nichols said.

DGI Vice President Rob Overman will serve as the interim executive director while the organization conducts a search for Matheny’s replacement.

According to the organization, a search committee will be formed to begin the process of finding the next executive director, with details about the search and timeline expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Downtown Greensboro, Inc. is a nonprofit organization focused on economic development, events and public space activation in the city’s downtown area. The group works with businesses, residents and local government officials on projects intended to increase activity and investment in the downtown district.

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