Downtown Port is run by Port Washington Main Street, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization committed to building downtown Port Washington in partnership with our Business Improvement District through strategic marketing, downtown promotional events, impactful design projects and economic development efforts. Port Washington was designated a Main Street Community in 2008 by the Governor and is one of 36 Wisconsin Main Street communities. Port Washington Main Street is nationally accredited through Main Street America. Representing 28 blocks and over 140 businesses, it is our mission to ensure the vitality of downtown Port Washington as a business and community center for this great city.
About Downtown Port
Board of Directors
Port Washington Main Street is governed by a board of directors, including business owners and/or representatives, property owners, community and downtown residents. Contact us if you are interested in joining the board.
- Nathan Scherper
- Kelly Brown
- Cathy Hanson
- Brian Barber
- Nikki Dudei
- Laura Burke
- Sharon Scheel
- Nikki Kiss
- Stacie Cherubini
- Julie Crowley
Staff
Kristina Tadeo, Executive Director
Kristina took the role of director in May 2021 after spending 15 years working in higher education, the last 10 as Assistant Director of Alpha Sigma Nu, the international Jesuit honor society. In this role, she gained valuable experience running a non-profit, overseeing communication, website, database, chapter relations, as well as planning the organization’s conferences and summits. She is excited to bring her organization, communication, event planning, and relationship-building skills to Main Street to build a vibrant downtown Port Washington community. As a long-time Port resident, the opportunity to use her time and creativity right here in her community is a true blessing. Kristina received her BA in International Studies and German from UW-Madison, a Graduate Certificate in Leadership Studies from Marquette University, and her MA in Public Service from Marquette University.
Marty S., Assistant Director
Marty joined the Main Street team in July 2021, bringing his passion for the community and energy in promoting the downtown district. His career started in the IT industry, where he developed sales and marketing skill sets. He went on to work in social media, community outreach, as well as durable medical sales. He is now beginning his adventure in the non-profit world – working to plan events, market our beautiful and historic downtown, network and develop business relationships which give us the ability to host events and build a vibrant downtown district. When not hard at work planning events with Port Main Street, he enjoys hiking, biking and relaxing by Lake Michigan. Marty received his BA from UW-Whitewater.
Mandi Huff, Office + Event Manager
Mandi started her Main Street journey in July 2023, jumping in amid the busy summer event season. Her focus is office management, social media strategy and content, and event prep. She brings a wide network, great attitude, and tons of brainstorming power to the role and is a great add to the Main Street team. With two young kids in the Port Washington School District, Mandi and her family are always on the go. That is part of the reason for her wide network — the other is probably her very open and personable personality. A transplant from Indiana, Mandi brings a lot of outside ideas to our town. Mandi studied Public Relations and Marketing at Anderson University.
Lyla Waranka, Office + Event Coordinator
Lyla joined the Main Street team in August 2022 and has quickly become an event superstar. Her connections in the community and love of Port Washington as a lifelong resident make her a great asset to the team. Lyla is a hardworker who lends her brainstorming power and get-it-done attitude to everything we do.
Mission + Vision
Volunteer Driven
One of the key factors of a Main Street organization is community involvement. The work of economic revitalization and promotion is varied and constant. With community members invested in the mission and vision, the organization can thrive. Port Washington Main Street is run by a board of invested volunteers and has three standing volunteer-led committees: Promotion Committee, Design Committee, and Economic Revitalization Committee. Each committee meets monthly.
PROMOTION – Combinging the areas of Organization and Promotion, this committee focuses on the popular downtown events, marketing plans, volunteer recruitment and retention.
DESIGN – Focusing on historic preservation, placemaking, arts and culture, and making downtown an attractive location for residents and tourists alike, this committee is behind amazing projects like the Heart of the Harbor plaza.
ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION – This committee is in charge of ensuring prospective, new, and existing businesses in the downtown district have the support and resources they need to be successful.
If you would like to get more involved in the community, contact us to find out about joining one of our committees!
Destination Brand Manual
Downtown Port is a destination brand for all of us in Downtown Port Washington to take advantage of. Review the Brand Manual here.
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Website and Branding Campaign Created by: Scott Subach Marketing & Design
