An experienced urban place management executive, Emilie champions initiatives that support a dynamic, vibrant, diverse and sustainable downtown Spokane. As the President & CEO of the Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP), Emilie works closely with downtown property and business owners, stakeholders, elected officials, and the community on programs focused on growing economic and community vitality for the urban core of Spokane. Leading initiatives and programs to improve downtown daily, including management of the Downtown Spokane Business Improvement District, Emilie is a passionate advocate, cheerleader, and leader for the heart of the Spokane region.

Emilie currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Visit Spokane, University District Development Authority and Spokane Police Foundation. She is also a member of the Greater Spokane Incorporated Leadership Council and Washington State University (WSU Spokane) Advisory Council. A recent transplant to the Inland Northwest, Emilie’s prior experience includes leading catalytic downtown projects for the Downtown Sacramento Partnership where she also served on the California Downtown Association (CDA) Board of Directors leading statewide advocacy on behalf of downtowns and urban centers across the state. Prior, Emilie led statewide public affairs campaigns for some of California’s top firms bridging the intersection of policy and politics in California’s capital city. Emilie earned formal certification in Leadership Place Management (LPM) in 2024 from the International Downtown Association (IDA) and is a graduate of IDA’s Emerging Leadership Fellowship program. Emilie is an alumna of the University of California, Davis.

As Vice President of Marketing & Programming for the Downtown Spokane Partnership, Elisabeth fosters programs, events, and campaigns to highlight the 1,000 plus businesses located within the urban core of the City of Spokane. Elisabeth holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Washington State University and has enjoyed building her career and network in the Inland Northwest.

Prior to joining the DSP in April of 2014, Elisabeth spent a decade at STCU building financial educational curriculum for youth and adults, establishing social media outreach, as well as cultivating community giving, outreach programs and volunteerism.

Alongside serving on multiple committees, Elisabeth has served as Co-President of the Spokane Lilac Festival Association, Chaired the Spokane Arts Fund Board and sat on the boards of the Spokane Scholars Foundation, and Women Helping Women Fund of Spokane. Elisabeth was recognized as a "Rising Star" by the Spokane Journal of Business in 2020.

Kevin comes to Spokane by way of Anchorage, Alaska, where he was born and he raised. After graduating from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in communications, he returned to Anchorage where he worked for five years as an account executive for a marketing and advertising agency. He is thrilled to be a part of the DSP team and do all he can to make downtown one of the best places to live and play. In his spare time Kevin can be found on the volleyball courts, checking out the latest local brewery, or hiking and running around all of the great outdoors the Inland Northwest has to offer.

Mari is from Spokane and has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Eastern Washington University where she learned to speak Spanish fluently, but now seeks more opportunities to practice. Her favorite aspects of working for the DSP include her co-workers and the opportunity to explore and contribute to a variety of facets of downtown Spokane. She particularly enjoys River Park Square, and her favorite event is Hoopfest. In her spare time, she loves discovering quiet spots to take her dogs for walks and swims.

Keely Gray is a creative professional with experience in nonprofit management, performing arts, and strategic communications. As the former Executive Director of Lake Pend Oreille Repertory Theatre, she demonstrated exceptional leadership in arts administration and community engagement. Her diverse background includes roles as Foundation and Community Development Specialist at Bonner General Health, where she excelled in donor relations and strategic partnerships, and experience with the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in community development.

Currently serving as Events and Activation Coordinator at DSP, Keely combines her passion for the community and creative solutions. She holds META Social Media Marketing certification and brings a unique blend of creative vision, strategic thinking, and authentic leadership to every project. Now based in the Spokane area, Keely continues to share her expertise through her work as a business development professional.

In her free time, Keely enjoys participating in the arts, hiking and spending time with her two pups, Saul and Pepper.