Uptown Partnership announced Tuesday that Tim Hall has been named interim executive director and will succeed Kathy Deacon, who recently announced plans to step down from the role in September, according to an Uptown Partnership press release.
Hall will lead the organization as the board conducts a search for a permanent director.
“We could not be more thrilled to welcome Tim aboard as interim director,” said Liz Harris, board president of Uptown Partnership. “His strong community ties and understanding of our local area combined with his thirty years of experience in public service make him the ideal person to lead our organization through this transition.”
A native of the area, Hall most recently served as the Henry County Administrator and General Manager for the Public Service Authority for 10 years before retiring in July, where he had previously served as Deputy Administrator and Public Information Officer. Earlier in his career, Hall worked as a public school teacher and coach and as a newspaper reporter and columnist.
Hall earned his undergraduate degree in communications from James Madison University and his MBA from Averett University. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia’s Senior Executive Institute and of Lead Virginia and also has worked as an adjunct professor and instructor in leadership and communication strategies.
“I am excited to join Uptown Partnership and play whatever role I can in keeping the momentum going,” said Hall. “A thriving central business district is fundamental to our area’s economic development and revitalization efforts, and I am looking forward to the challenge.”
In a release issued the previous week, Uptown Partnership said that Deacon had announced plans to depart the organization in September.
“We cannot thank Kathy enough for her leadership and dedication to Uptown Partnership and the City of Martinsville,” said Harris. “During her time here, Kathy has had a transformational impact, setting a strong foundation for our organization and championing Uptown revitalization through her tireless work with the City, the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), local property and business owners and the community at large.”
Deacon joined Uptown Partnership in May 2021 as its first executive director. During her tenure, she led various projects including Wall Street Alley Activation, grant funding and financial management of organization, Community Visioning Project/Report, initiating and partnering on Uptown events and implementing the Main Street model in Martinsville in collaboration with DHCD and community partners.
“It has been my pleasure to lead Uptown Partnership through this early stage of development and work with our board and the many talented community members who have joined in the work and helped to create a long list of accomplishments in a short time, ” said Deacon. “I know that Uptown Partnership will continue to play an important role in the revitalization of the Uptown business district and will, through the successful utilization of the Main Street approach, provide community members with an opportunity to be heard and involved in the important work that is taking place to catalyze change and growth in Uptown Martinsville.”
Formed in 2020, Uptown Partnership (a 501 (c) (3) organization) is an inclusive and diverse group of people who are committed to bringing residents, visitors and businesses to Uptown Martinsville, using the nationally successful Main Street Approach. To learn more, visit uptownpartnership.com.
