It came as a shock to receive the following news that Susan Edmondson is stepping down as the president and CEO of the Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs. Downtown is the heart of the city, and its vibrancy remains vital even as the Springs continues to grow outward. Thanks to Edmondson, it has.
If there is a single statistic that sums up the myriad of contributions she has made to Colorado Springs, it’s this: During her tenure since 2013, Edmondson has led an economic resurgence of $2.3 billion of new investment into downtown Colorado Springs. With passion, vision, kindness and efficiency, Edmondson has led efforts to make downtown a thriving community to both work and live.
Edmondson’s leadership will be greatly missed, but her legacy will continue through the many ongoing projects she helped to put in place. “Since first getting to know Susan while launching Springs magazine nine years ago, I have been in awe of all that Susan has done to support and elevate downtown Colorado Springs,” says Springs Media publisher John Sawyer. “She built a coalition behind the goal to make downtown the epicenter of the Pikes Peak region, and our team has been privileged to stand by her and help promote the Downtown Partnership’s vision. More than anything, our hope is for Susan’s return to good health.”
Edmondson will remain in an advisory position with the Downtown Partnership. It is with deep gratitude for all of her contributions to Colorado Springs that we share the following press release from the Downtown Partnership:
COLORADO SPRINGS — Susan Edmondson, the President & CEO of Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs, is stepping down from her leadership position with the organization, citing health reasons. Over her 11-year tenure, Edmondson has led an economic resurgence of $2.3 billion of new investment into the city center.
“It has been the honor of my lifetime to work alongside passionate and principled people who share a vision for what Downtown can be and work tirelessly to make it happen,” Edmondson said. “Despite my departure, I have every confidence the Downtown Partnership and its entities will continue to help existing and new businesses thrive while providing a sense of place for all to enjoy.”
The Downtown Partnership Executive Committee accepted Edmondson’s resignation Friday, Oct. 25, and immediately enacted the Partnership’s Succession and Continuity Plan to ensure ongoing support of projects and staff during the leadership transition.
“Admittedly, Susan’s news is surprising and heartbreaking as she is well-loved and respected in our community,” Downtown Partnership Board Chair Jenifer Furda said. “For the past decade, Susan has played a pivotal role in the success and revitalization of Downtown Colorado Springs. While Susan focuses on her health and wellbeing, the board is pleased that she will remain in an advisory position to further the economic progress and vibrancy of Downtown.”
Edmondson, 59, was named President & CEO in March 2013, overseeing the management of the Downtown Development Authority, Greater Downtown Colorado Springs Business Improvement District and Downtown Ventures, which is best known for the popular Art on the Streets program.
Edmondson broadened accountability through creation of the State of Downtown Report and shepherded numerous projects that required collaboration among diverse entities to fortify Downtown’s civic and economic engines while elevating the cultural identity of the Pikes Peak region.
Edmondson guided Downtown through the pandemic to include coordinating outdoor dining and leveraging nearly $700,000 in grants through the Downtown Development Authority to nearly 100 small businesses.
Edmondson and her team filled numerous longstanding storefront vacancies and created lasting public realm improvements such as AdAmAn Alley and the Downtown Gateways initiative.
A longtime arts advocate, Edmondson secured the state’s certification of Downtown as a Creative District to leverage millions of dollars in future support for arts enterprises.
Edmondson has served on numerous boards across the Pikes Peak region and remains an avid supporter of many local nonprofits.
To bolster staff and support ongoing business, Furda will temporarily lead the Downtown Partnership office while the executive committee works to place an interim CEO. The Downtown Partnership and its partner organizations remain focused on the positive momentum created by Edmondson’s decade of leadership.
About Downtown Partnership
Downtown Partnership is the lead nonprofit organization ensuring that Downtown Colorado Springs serves as the economic, cultural, and civic heart of the city. Promoting business growth and retention are two activities of the Partnership. For more information visit www.DowntownCS.com, or contact Downtown Colorado Springs at 719.886.0088.
