DPO Names New Executive Director
The Board of Directors of the Downtown Painesville Organization (DPO), an Ohio Main Street Program, are proud to announce the appointment of Nikki Matala as the organization’s new Executive Director. Matala assumed her new role and responsibilities with the community organization on April 4, 2022.
“We are thrilled to bring Nikki onboard during such an exciting time for the City of Painesville,” said Board President Jennifer Dobrzeniecki. “Nikki’s passion for working with people and businesses will tie in perfectly with our organization’s mission. It was immediately clear that Nikki was the right fit.”
In addition to her passion for the Painesville community, Matala possesses extensive experience in non-profit leadership, marketing, public relations, grant writing, volunteer engagement and special events. Her career has included positions with the Forbes House, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Hospice of the Western Reserve and Executive Director of the Willoughby Area Chamber of Commerce. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Cleveland State University and is a graduate of Leadership Lake County. In addition to her work experience, Matala also has a long history of volunteer involvement in Northeast Ohio.
“There are few things as inspiring as being enveloped by the spirit of entrepreneurship as it contributes to a city’s economic growth and vitality---and the City of Painesville has plenty of that,” said Matala. “I’m so happy to be working in partnership with the City, the Eastern Lake County Chamber of Commerce and local business owners who are so positive and forward thinking. I see the history of where we have been and look forward to being an active part of what is yet to become.”
“We are thrilled to bring Nikki onboard during such an exciting time for the City of Painesville,” said Board President Jennifer Dobrzeniecki. “Nikki’s passion for working with people and businesses will tie in perfectly with our organization’s mission. It was immediately clear that Nikki was the right fit.”
In addition to her passion for the Painesville community, Matala possesses extensive experience in non-profit leadership, marketing, public relations, grant writing, volunteer engagement and special events. Her career has included positions with the Forbes House, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Hospice of the Western Reserve and Executive Director of the Willoughby Area Chamber of Commerce. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Cleveland State University and is a graduate of Leadership Lake County. In addition to her work experience, Matala also has a long history of volunteer involvement in Northeast Ohio.
“There are few things as inspiring as being enveloped by the spirit of entrepreneurship as it contributes to a city’s economic growth and vitality---and the City of Painesville has plenty of that,” said Matala. “I’m so happy to be working in partnership with the City, the Eastern Lake County Chamber of Commerce and local business owners who are so positive and forward thinking. I see the history of where we have been and look forward to being an active part of what is yet to become.”