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 relocated to Bellingham in 2018 to pursue her education at WWU. Her downtown adventure began during the midst of lockdown when she became a downtown resident and employee at a retail boutique.
Nathalie made her way to DBP in 2022 and feels so lucky to contribute to the vibrant neighborhood she calls home.
Outside of the Partnership, you can find Nathalie chasing sunsets, exploring trails, or finding the best new happy hour spot.
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.
Alec Howard
Landscape and Clean Team Assistant
“First we shape the cities – then they shape us...” is a quote by Jan Gehl that speaks to Alec.
A vibrant community has a public space that cares about the people who use it, and Alec is excited to contribute to making downtown a more enjoyable place for everyone. Alec brings farming and permaculture experience and an enthusiasm for urban design to the Partnership’s Landscaping team.
You can find Alec ordering an oat milk latte from Avellino, perusing the aisles of the Co-op, or catching a film at the Pickford. Or, feel free to say hi if you see Alec around town working in an orange vest.