DDA Staff
Ashley Rose Dodd
Downtown Development Director & Main Street Manager
As the Downtown Development Director and Main Street Manager, I am committed to revitalizing and maintaining the vibrancy of Lavonia's downtown area. My role involves spearheading economic development initiatives, promoting local businesses, and organizing events that draw visitors and enhance community engagement. I also work to preserve Lavonia’s rich historical and cultural heritage, creating a thriving downtown district that serves as the heart of our community.
From coordinating events and festivals to attract visitors, to liaising with city officials and local businesses to advocate for improvements, my work is centered around fostering collaboration and building partnerships. I take pride in managing marketing campaigns that increase foot traffic and in developing beautification projects, such as landscaping and public art installations, to create an inviting atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
A significant part of my role is overseeing the Main Street Program, including tasks such as planning events, coordinating Board of Directors meetings, and fulfilling board-assigned projects. These range from researching entertainment districts to procuring benches for the Gazebo area and collaborating with city officials to install wayfinding signs.
Additionally, I manage the rental of park shelters and event spaces, contributing essential funding to the Main Street Program. Through partnerships with the promotions and tourism committee, I help organize events like Main Street Music, booking musicians, arranging food trucks, and enhancing program visibility via our website, social media, and a growing weekly newsletter.
In my spare time, you’ll find me on a paddleboard, riding my bicycle around town, or fully immersed in “mom mode” as I live and love my role as a mom. My deep love for Lavonia and its incredible community is the driving force behind my dedication to this role. I strive every day to ensure that our downtown continues to thrive as a hub of social, cultural, and economic activity.
DDA Board
The Lavonia Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Board is a team of dedicated individuals who volunteer and commit to the growth and prosperity of downtown Lavonia. Serving as the guiding body of the DDA, the board plays a crucial role in shaping the strategic vision, ensuring effective implementation of projects, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
