The Center is excited to announce that Jessica Mailander started as the Interim Executive Director for the Upper Georgia Avenue Main Street this month. We look forward to working with her and continuing to support small, independent businesses in the neighborhood.
Jessica joined the Upper Georgia Avenue Main Street program in March of 2022. She came to the program with almost four years of experience in DC Main Streets, having started as an Event Coordinator for Rhode Island Avenue NE Main Street and eventually taking on the role of Program Manager for the Upper Bladensburg Road program in the Fall of 2019 – both run by the non-profit Friends of Rhode Island Avenue NE (FORIA).
During her time at FORIA, Jessica headed up the events portfolio for the two programs, including Porch Fest and the Procrastinator’s Holiday Market, growing both events to over 1,000 attendees during her time there. She supported small business owners through technical assistance and facade improvement grants, and played an integral role in shepherding the small businesses in Northeast DC through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prior to her time in DC Main Streets, Jessica worked for FirstNet in the Department of Commerce as an Industry Liaison. Jessica graduated from American University in Washington, DC in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. She interned with the Department of Agriculture while pursuing a Masters degree in Social Policy. She currently lives in DC with her husband and their dog, Maple. She is excited to work with the Ward 4 business community on Upper Georgia Avenue.