The Faces of KDP

The KDP is a collective of professionals, business owners and community leaders dedicated to revitalizing downtown Kent. Our goal is to preserve its rich history while creating a vibrant and thriving future.  If you are passionate about downtown Kent and would like to connect in a bigger way, we invite you to consider joining one of our Committees or Board. To learn more about opportunities, please contact Executive Director below.

Staff

Gaila Haas
Gaila HaasExecutive Director
Kingfisher Abernethy
Kingfisher AbernethyEvents & Admin Coordinator

Executive Committee

Toni Troutner
Toni TroutnerPresident
Jeff Middleton
Jeff MiddletonPast President
Linda Golley
Linda GolleyPresident Elect (2025)
Doug Scharnhorst
Doug ScharnhorstTreasurer
Greg Haffner
Greg HaffnerLegal Council
Vacant
VacantSecretary

Board & Committees

The KDP Board and Committees are comprised of small business and property owners and individuals who are committed to moving our mission forward.

We have a variety of opportunities to suit all skill levels and busy schedules.  For more information,  please contact us at Info@kentdowntown.org or (253) 813-6976.

Board of Directors

  • Toni Troutner, President, Kent City Council, Professional
  • Jeff Middleton, Past President, Property Manager
  • Linda Golley, President Elect, Consultant
  • Vacant, Secretary,
  • Doug Scharnhorst, Treasurer, Olsen Law Firm
  • Greg Haffner, Legal Counsel, Curran Law Firm
  • Suzanne Cameron, Around the Clock Property Management, Inc.
  • Kevin Grossman, Green River College
  • Elizabeth Scharnhorst, Retired
  • Randall Smith, All Pro Building Maintenance
  • Michelle Wilmot, City of Kent, Economic & Community Development
  • Dillon Stearns, Davis Door Services
  • Souleymane Tiendrebeogo, MesHHouse Creative Space
  • Judy Woods, Retired
  • Diane Whitely, Retired

Design Committee

  • Chair: Suzanne Cameron

This committee supports a community’s transformation by enhancing the physical and visual assets that set the commercial district apart. Our goal is to create an inviting atmosphere through environmental design, storefront displays, signage, banners, sidewalks, lighting, landscaping and clean up events.

Meets 2nd Thursday each month, 2:00 – 3:00 pm, KDP offices

Promotion Committee

  • Chair: Linda Golley

This committee markets and promotes downtown Kent.  This team reviews all elements of KDP promotion efforts including events, programs, and image and brand development.  The promotion committee works to attract both visitors and residents by creating a vibrant and thriving downtown hub.

Meets 3rd Wednesday each month, 9:00 – 10:00 am, KDP offices

Ex Officio

  • Kelly Spreitzer, Accesso/ShoWare
  • Zenovia Harris, Kent Chamber of Commerce – Ad Hoc
  • Dyan High, Great Kent Historical Museum

Clean-Up Committee

  • Chair: open
    Manages Adopt-a-Street on Meeker and annual clean up events

  • Hosts quarterly clean up events from 9:00 – 12:00 pm, dates vary (see events page)

Economic Development Committee

  • Chair:  Kevin Grossman

This group focuses on capital, incentives and other economic and financial tools to assist new and existing businesses, catalyze property development, and create a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and innovators that drive local economies.

Meets 3rd Wednesday each month, 7:45 – 9:00 am, ZOOM

Safety & Security Committee

  • Chair: Gaila Haas

Identifies and works to resolves safety and security issues related to the downtown retail and business core.  This group works closely with Kent Police Dept.

Meets 2nd Wednesday each month 10:00 – 11:00 am, KDP offices & ZOOM