About NDD

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Our Mission

The Newark Downtown District (NDD), Newark’s special improvement district (SID) of the central business area, is a privately funded 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, dedicated to enhancing cleanliness, safety, and beautification in Downtown Newark, while preserving and enriching culture, commerce, and community.

NDD works hard to enrich the quality of life for those who live, labor, and leisure in Newark by providing supplemental cleaning and quality of life services, as well as physical improvements, marketing, and event programs. These efforts make downtown Newark attractive to residents, businesses, students, tourists, and visitors.

The NDD is funded through a special assessment on district commercial and residential properties, and is overseen by a Board of Trustees consisting of business and property owners within the District, representatives of non-profit organizations, as well as municipal officials and staff.

Group photo of NDD
Downtown Newakr skyline

Staff & Board

Susan McKay

Managing Director of Operations and Administration

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Whats your favorite thing about working for the NDD? One of the many reasons why I find immense joy in working for the Newark Downtown District (NDD) is the palpable sense of community that permeates every project and initiative we undertake. Whether collaborating with local businesses to promote economic growth or organizing events that bring residents together, the spirit of unity and progress is always at the forefront of the NDD’s efforts.

Interesting Fact # 1: My greatest accomplishment in life will always be my daughter.

Interesting Fact # 2: I have over 20 years of experience in the physical security industry.

Interesting Fact # 3: I have been a gospel musician for over 25 years, specializing in vocal pedagogy and choral arrangement and instruction. These talents have afforded me the opportunity to win 1st place in the Grammy award winning McDonalds GospelFest Competition with a community youth choir.

susan@downtownnewark.com

Melissa Henry

Marketing and Communications Manager

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Whats your favorite thing about working for the NDD? My favorite part about working for the NDD is the opportunity to tap into my creative side through event planning, all while exploring everything that downtown Newark has to offer. Providing a space for individuals from all walks of life to engage with each other while supporting small businesses is priceless.

Interesting Fact # 1: I did the 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu!

Interesting Fact # 2: I am a self-proclaimed mixologist.

Interesting Fact # 3: I have swam with whale sharks.

melissa@downtownnewark.com

Evan Gold

Project Manager

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Whats your favorite thing about working for the NDD? I enjoy the wide range of projects that the NDD undertakes, they require an equally wide range of problem solving to achieve success. LIkewise, they require the teamwork and collaboration of a multidisciplinary group of dedicated and highly skilled colleagues that compliment each others’ strengths.

Interesting Fact # 1: I collect and enjoy listening to vinyl records.

Interesting Fact # 2: I am a sneakerhead, with controversial opinions, who wears his collection around Newark.

Interesting Fact # 3: I’m a virtual reality enthusiast excited about the future of the technology.

evan@downtownnewark.com

Peggie Cheris

Executive Assistant & Office Manager

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Whats your favorite thing about working for the NDD? My favorite thing about working for the NDD is the commitment to partnership, both internally and externally. There is always room to learn and adopt best practices from our community. We all remain extremely supportive of one another and all chip in to achieve our goals.

Interesting Fact # 1: I am a die-hard Cowboys fan.

Interesting Fact # 2: I am a former softball player.

Interesting Fact # 3: I enjoy traveling and hope to visit at least 20 countries. So far I am at 6 out of 20.

peggie@downtownnewark.com

Zuri Walker

Manager of People and Culture

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Whats your favorite thing about working for the NDD? My favorite thing about working for the NDD is the opportunity to serve my hometown. Working for the NDD feels like being part of a dynamic community makeover team! Every day brings fresh ideas, collaborations, and the satisfaction of seeing our efforts beautify and boost our community.

Interesting Fact # 1: I sneeze in threes.

Interesting Fact # 2: I studied abroad in London.

Interesting Fact # 3: I married my college sweetheart and named our youngest child after the school.

zuri@downtownnewark.com

Ollider Walsh

Finance Manager

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Whats your favorite thing about working for the NDD? I love working at NDD because of the incredible balance between internal and external culture. Internally, the team fosters collaboration, support, and a shared passion for making a difference. Externally, I’m inspired by the impact we have on Newark’s community—transforming spaces, creating opportunities, and contributing to a thriving downtown.

Interesting Fact # 1: Outside of work, I love exploring different cuisines, seeking out live jazz spots, and discovering unique local activities.

Interesting Fact # 2: I’m obsessed with traveling and proudly cheer “Go Birds!” as a die-hard Eagles fan.

Interesting Fact # 3: I’ve embraced the thrill of skydiving and ziplining, experiences that made me feel truly liberated.

ollider@downtownnewark.com

Peter Chapman

Marketing Associate

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Whats your favorite thing about working for the NDD? My favorite thing about working for the NDD is the community impact we have. From our ambassador services to the various events we organize, every day I witness the positive changes we bring to the people of Newark. Being from Newark myself, this work holds a special place in my heart.

Interesting Fact # 1: I am an ultimate music lover. From the lyrics to the production to the sonic breakdown of a song.

Interesting Fact # 2: I am a digital artist with a focus on recreating historical moments that are a part of black culture.

Interesting Fact # 3: I have over 20 pairs of custom hand-stitched socks.

peter@downtownnewark.com

Kristina Koonce

Marketing Associate

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Whats your favorite thing about working for the NDD? I truly enjoy the community engagement aspects of my work at the Newark Downtown District, and I believe the team is exceptional. Moreover, I find it powerful how we utilize events and communications to highlight the excitement and advantages of living, shopping, working, and enjoying leisure activities in Newark.

Interesting Fact # 1: I like to learn a new skill each year.

Interesting Fact # 2: I enjoy finding places to hike locally and when I travel.

Interesting Fact # 3: I do yearly read and watch around the world challenges.

kristina@downtownnewark.com

Camila Rodriguez Rey

Urban Planner Associate

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Whats your favorite thing about working for the NDD? What I love most about working for the NDD is being part of an organization with such a clear sense of purpose. The projects we take on are not only diverse but deeply impactful, and it’s exciting to contribute to work that truly makes a difference.

Interesting Fact # 1: I’m from Buenos Aires, with a chapter of my life in Rome, and now creating a new story in New York and Newark.

Interesting Fact # 2: During the pandemic, I became totally obsessed with pigments, stones and minerals. For a while, I was convinced I had missed my calling as a geologist.

Interesting Fact # 3: When I’m not sketching or practicing rock climbing/bouldering, you’ll find me pampering my baby dog, Polito.

camila@downtownnewark.com

Jessica Quintanilla

Operations Manager

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Whats your favorite thing about working for the NDD? My favorite thing about working for the NDD is the community events. I love seeing children smile and giving them the opportunity to have a good time in their own city. I also love seeing the growth of ambassadors and training them to reach their potential.

Interesting Fact # 1: Nails are my hobby.

Interesting Fact # 2: I love traveling, I wish I could do it often.

Interesting Fact # 3: I love going to concerts.

jessica@downtownnewark.com

Angel Rodriguez

Assistant Operations Manager

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Whats your favorite thing about working for the NDD? My favorite things about working for the NDD are the community events, the beautification of the district, and the growth of our ambassadors.

Interesting Fact # 1: I am a caretaker of my indoor/outdoor plants.

Interesting Fact # 2: I am a comic figurine collector.

Interesting Fact # 3: I am an animation enthusiasts.

angel@downtownnewark.com

Allison Gordon

Operations Administrative Assistant

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Whats your favorite thing about working for the NDD? My favorite thing about working at the NDD is being part of an organization that offers a second chance to many of our ambassadors. Over the years, I’ve witnessed this job change countless lives. Seeing people grow within the company is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, I’ve observed Newark’s transformation and the influx of new businesses investing in the city. Working at the NDD is truly exciting and fulfilling.

Interesting Fact # 1: I self taught myself how to create sfx props and sfx makeup.

Interesting Fact # 2: I listen to any and every music genre.

Interesting Fact # 3: I’m a movie critic and visit the movies at least 3x a week.

allison@downtownnewark.com

John Carrillo

Operations Supervisor

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Whats your favorite thing about working for the NDD? One of my favorite things about working for the NDD is teaching my team how to use the equipment properly, especially those who haven’t used it before. I also enjoy introducing new techniques and motivating everyone to keep growing and improving their skills. It’s rewarding to see my team develop and succeed.

Interesting Fact # 1: I am a hiker.

Interesting Fact # 2: I was once in a Mosh pit that was the size of a field at the Ozzy Festival .

Interesting Fact # 3: I’m a coffee addict.

john@downtownnewark.com

2025 Board of Trustees

*Denotes Executive Committee Member

Tony Gibbons*

Chair, Crawford Street Partners

Sam Chapin*

L & M Development Partners

John Sharman*

Opex Management

Roseann Smith*

Onyx Equities, LLC

Celia King

Leadership Newark

Lynette Lashawn

Off the Hanger

Paul Pereira

Small Business Owner

Dawn Spango

NJ Transit

Mike Stephani 

Panasonic Corporation

Nicole Swan-Bennett

PSE&G

Darryl Walker 

Newark Museum of Art

Kyleesha Wingfield-Hill

City of Newark

Honorable Council President Larry Crump

City of Newark Municipal Council

PARTNERSHIPS

The NDD is proud to partner with the following Newark and New Jersey organizations.

A Day at a Time NJ
Aids Resource Foundation for Children
American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
ArtFront Galleries
Brick City Run Club
Office of Mayor Ras J Baraka
City of Newark Council Presidnet McIver’s Office
City of Newark Department of Health
Community Food Bank of New Jersey
Four Corners Public Arts
GlassRoots
Greater Essex Counseling Services
I Have a Dream Foundation
KIPP Charter Schools
Launch Pad Newark
Leadership Newark
Makerhoods
New Hope Village (City of Newark)
Newark Arts Festival
Newark City Parks
Newark Downtown District Security Task Force
Newark Homelessness Commission
Newark Liberty International Airport
Newark Museum of Art
Newark Public Library
Newark Police Department
Newark Public Schools
Newark Regional Business Partnership
Newark Science & Sustainability
Newark Social
Newark YMCA
News12
NJ Devils
NJ.com
Northstar Academy
People’s Prep Charter School
Project U.S.E
Score NJ
Urban Agriculture Cooperative
=Space
Invest Newark
Newark Arts and Education District
Source of Knowledge
Pix 11
The Gateway Junction
Newark Parking Authority
BrownMill
NJEDA
Greater Newark Convention and Visitors Bureau
Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District
The Yard
PJs Coffee
The City of Newark
The Salvation Army – Newark
The New Jersey Historical Society
Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District
Greater Newark Enterprises Corporation
Newark City Council
The Newark Times

Become a Partner

At Newark Downtown District, we’re always looking to expand our vibrant network of partners.

Whether you’re a local business, an entrepreneur, or a community organization, we believe that together, we can create remarkable experiences and drive our community forward. Partnering with us means more visibility, more networking opportunities, and a shared commitment to the growth and success of our community. Interested in becoming a partner? Reach out to us and let’s explore how we can collaborate and make a lasting impact. Join us in shaping the future of Downtown Newark!

Contact Us
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