New face in Old Town

“I’m excited to get started,” said Ashley.

Ashley, a 25-year-old resident of Lansing’s Westside neighborhood, has a history with the Old Town Commercial Association. He worked as an intern for the organization in 2011, and has continued to stay involved with Old Town by serving on festival committees, volunteering at events and maintaining friendships with business owners. He is looking forward to returning to the neighborhood in his new role.

“I’m excited to spend every day in Old Town,” said Ashley. “It’s such an energetic place.”

Karen Stefl, partner at Old Town-based media company Such Video, is excited to have Ashley back at the Old Town Commercial Association.

“He has an energy and enthusiasm that are contagious,” she said. “It’s a perfect fit.”

Stefl is also president of the Old Town Commercial Association board of directors and was on the hiring committee that selected Ashley. She sees his business experience as a major asset as the neighborhood tries to diversify its fundraising and become more financially self-sufficient.

“His understanding of our patrons and supporters will really help that effort,” Stefl said.

Ashley said another issue he is hoping to tackle is the lack of parking options, especially when popular festivals such as Lansing JazzFest and Michigan BluesFest draw thousands of extra visitors to the neighborhood.

“It’s a great problem to have,” said Ashley.

Many of those festivals also take up the parking spaces in Lot 56/Cesar Chavez Plaza. Ashley looking for sustainable parking solutions, including partnering with CATA to offer festival shuttles and better utilizing the adjacent Lansing River Trail.

Ashley is replacing Megan Barrett, who had held the position since September. Barrett left to accept a position as marketing manager with CASE Credit Union.

Even with the change in leadership, Stefl doesn’t expect a drop-off in the association’s efforts.

“We have some great momentum from last year,” she said. “Austin is going to pick up that ball and keep running with it.”