Phillip Dodge Selected to Head Downtown Columbia Partnership


Columbia resident Phillip M. Dodge has been selected to serve as Executive Director of the Downtown Columbia Partnership (DTCP), Greg Fitchitt, Chair of the Board of Directors, announced today.

Dodge comes to his new post after serving as Director of the Howard County Food Bank for the Community Action Council of Howard County.  He has also led development and communications efforts for Healthy Howard and the National Center for Healthy Housing in Howard County.  He has a background in development, communications, marketing, and non-profit leadership.

Among his civic work, Dodge is Chair of the Friends of the Howard County Library and a member of the Columbia Patuxent Rotary Club.

“We are looking forward to working with Phillip,†Fitchitt said.  “He comes to the job with an array of skills, experiences and local connections that will be of great benefit to the Downtown Columbia Partnership.â€

Dodge replaces Interim Director Michele Whelley who stepped in when former Executive Director Barb Nicklas accepted a position as Senior General Manager of The Mall in Columbia last year.

“We are extremely grateful for Michele’s creativity and hard work during the past year,†Fitchitt said.  “Her efforts will make Phillip’s transition much easier,†he added.

As Executive Director of the Downtown Columbia Partnership, Dodge will be responsible for leading the promotion and advancing the growth of Downtown Columbia as a vibrant, economically robust and desirable place for employment, entertainment, living and learning. The Partnership’s functions also include supporting transportation initiatives; initiating and sponsoring cultural arts and sustainability programs; implementing downtown beautification and maintenance projects; and promoting public safety.

Among its signature events, the Downtown Columbia Partnership hosts the Discover Downtown Columbia 5K and Fun Run, set for Sept. 10, Festive Fridays at the Lakefront during the winter holidays, and Books in Bloom book festival in the summer.

For information, visit downtowncolumbiamd.com