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
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 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 Director
jenny@downtownbellingham.com
With over 15 years of experience advocating for small businesses and startups, Jenny’s journey to the DBP was shaped by her entrepreneurial spirit. As a founding member of Amazon Launchpad, she helped accelerate product sales for over 1,500 startups and small businesses by improving marketing practices and reducing financial barriers. After leaving Amazon, she founded Thousand Acre Cider House in Downtown Bellingham in September 2019. Due to the unparalleled challenges posed to small businesses by the COVID-19 pandemic, she pivoted to focus on community revitalization efforts with DBP in 2021. In her role, Jenny oversees fundraising campaigns, leads the Economic Vitality Committee, and manages external communication projects.
David Sadowsky
Finance & Operations Director
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’s background includes a notable tenure as the Assistant Director of the Dance Education Program at Teachers College, Columbia University, which oversaw an EdD in Dance Education and the Arnhold Institute of Dance Education Research, Leadership & Policy.
At DBP, David supports staff by managing financial operations and measuring the social and community impact of DBP’s initiatives. Additionally, David leads policy and human resources responsibilities, ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of the organization.
Nathalie Wagler
Community Engagement Manager
nathalie@downtownbellingham.com
Originally from Billings, Montana, Nathalie moved to Bellingham in 2018 to attend Western Washington University, where she earned a degree in Environmental Science. Her love for Downtown Bellingham grew when she began living and working in the heart of the city. Nathalie joined the Downtown Bellingham Partnership in 2022 and now oversees community engagement efforts, creating events and programs that connect people and celebrate the vibrancy of downtown.
Outside of the Partnership, you can find Nathalie chasing sunsets, exploring local trails, or scouting out the best happy hour spots. She also serves as an Advisory Council Member for Whatcom Young Professionals where she’s passionate about fostering connections and supporting her peers in building a stronger, more connected community.
Kenny Austin
Landscaping & Maintenance Manager
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.
Christa Robertson
Events & Administrative Assistant
christa@downtownbellingham.com
After moving from West Texas, Christa fell in love with Bellingham while attending Western Washington University, where she earned a degree in Recreation Management and Leadership with a focus on Sustainable Tourism. With a background in outdoor recreation, event coordination, and volunteer management, she is passionate about creating spaces that bring people together.
At the Downtown Bellingham Partnership, Christa helps plan and execute events that capture the magic of Downtown and build a sense of community. She also handles administrative tasks to keep the office running smoothly.
Outside of work, you can find Christa sailing and paddling on Bellingham Bay, searching for the best live music, or winning at weekly trivia.