Beaverton Downtown Association Welcomes Elisa Joy Payne
New Interim Executive Director
A New Era of Community Engagement and Vibrancy in Downtown Beaverton
The Beaverton Downtown Association (BDA) is excited to announce the appointment of Elisa Joy Payne as its new Interim Executive Director. A Beaverton native, Elisa Joy (or EJ) brings extensive experience in community development, strategic planning, and downtown revitalization, making her an ideal leader to continue Beaverton’s transformation into a dynamic and welcoming destination.
Her leadership comes at a pivotal time for Downtown Beaverton, as the district continues to attract new investments and develop innovative programs to foster a thriving, inclusive, and economically vibrant community.
Leadership That Drives Change
As the Executive Director of the Hillsboro Downtown Partnership, Elisa Joy successfully led efforts to build connections and create lasting economic opportunities. Under her leadership, Downtown Hillsboro saw an increase in equitable engagement, new business growth, impactful projects, and fun social events.
Kirsten Agard, Board Chair of BDA, shared her enthusiasm for Elisa Joy’s appointment:
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome EJ to the Beaverton Downtown Association. Her deep expertise in business support, beautification, and community building aligns perfectly with the vision we have for Downtown Beaverton. EJ is a bold leader who understands the importance of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, and I have no doubt that her impact will be felt immediately. I look forward to working with her as we continue to make Beaverton’s downtown a place where businesses thrive, residents gather, and visitors are eager to explore.”
A Shared Vision for Downtown Beaverton
Elisa Joy is eager to bring her expertise and passion for urban development that prioritizes livability to Beaverton, and she is committed to elevating Downtown’s role as a cultural, social, and economic hub.
“Downtown is the heartbeat of Beaverton, and it’s exciting to see it filled with so much energy and potential,” said Elisa Joy. “I am honored to join the BDA and collaborate with local businesses, city leaders, and community members to elevate downtown as a place where all people feel a deep sense of connection and pride. My priorities are to enhance opportunities for small businesses and make Downtown Beaverton even more vibrant and welcoming for everyone.”
The Beaverton Downtown Association is confident that under Elisa Joy’s leadership, our Downtown will continue to thrive. Stay tuned for exciting new initiatives and ways to get involved. This is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Downtown Beaverton!
Upcoming Downtown Events With Elisa Joy at the helm, the BDA will continue hosting a diverse lineup of events:
- Meet the BDA: Join us on Wednesday, March 19 at Trek Bikes Beaverton to connect with the BDA team and learn about ongoing projects and initiatives.
- Beaverton First Friday Art Walks: Occurring on the first Friday of each month, these events showcase local artists and galleries, offering a self-guided tour through Downtown’s vibrant arts scene.
- Boba Dash: On Saturday, June 7, experience a fun-filled event celebrating the popular bubble tea culture, featuring local vendors and interactive activities.
- Lagerfest: Set for Saturday, September 6, this festival will highlight local breweries and offer a variety of craft beers for attendees to enjoy.
For more details and event updates, visit the BDA’s website: https://downtownbeaverton.org/events/
