Hill, who has served as the Main Street Program Coordinator for over seven years, will coordinate downtown revitalization efforts, public outreach and planning, marketing and promotional activities for the downtown area, and facilitate the administrative functions of the Central Valdosta Development Authority (CVDA).  In her new role, Hill will continue to develop and maintain strong and productive working relationships with the downtown businesses, property owners and the Downtown Valdosta Business Association (DVBA), the CVDA, public officials, and with other public and private agencies at the local, state and national levels.  She will also continue to assist downtown tenants and property owners with physical improvement projects, as part of the overall continuing redevelopment of the 26-block downtown district.

“We look forward to Ellen continuing the city’s commitment to our historic downtown district,” said Valdosta City Manager Larry Hanson.  “We are confident that Ellen will draw upon her seven years of experience in the Valdosta Main Street office to build upon the significant progress that has been made through substantial private and public investment in the last decade.” 

Hill has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Speech Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations from Valdosta State University.  She assisted in the development of the comprehensive Downtown Master Plan in 2010, in the Georgia Exceptional Main Street Certification (GEMS) in 2013, and over the years has served as the Interim Main Street Manager for a combined total of 18 months.  She is a 2008 graduate of the Georgia Academy of Economic Development, received the 2009 Silver Certificate in Customer Service Training, and is the recipient of the September 2013 City of Valdosta Employee of the Month award.  She has served as a member of the Georgia Downtown Association, the Greater Valdosta Community Christmas Parade Committee, the Azalea Festival Planning Committee, the Valdosta Sesquicentennial Planning Committee and the Georgia Cities Week Planning Committee. 

According to CVDA Chairman Howard Dasher, "Ellen’s longevity with the Main Street office will provide continuity for the very important functions of the Main Street program. The CVDA looks forward to Ellen continuing the successful progress made in one of the best Main Street programs in the state."

The Valdosta Main Street office is located on the first floor of the City Hall Annex, at 300 N. Lee Street. To contact Ellen Hill, call (229) 259-3577 or email her at [email protected].