About the BID

Georgette Steffens was appointed Executive Director in September 2009. Prior to joining the BID, Georgette was the Director of Operations of Triad Consulting Group, Inc. of Cambridge Massachusetts, a consulting group which specializes in communications and negotiation to assist organizations in building capacity to manage difficult conversations and critical relationships within their work environment.   Ms. Steffens worked for the City of Albany, serving as Director of the Albany HomeStore.  Additionally, she held positions as Economic Developer for the City of Albany in the Department of Planning and Development, where her main focus was downtown development and the City's riverfront, and Program Coordinator for the Center for Economic Growth.

Ms. Steffens serves as the Chairperson of the Albany Port District Commission and is a Board Member of the New York State Urban Council.  She holds a BA from Johnson State College in Vermont.

Don joined the BID in January 2010. As operations manager, Don is responsible for the development, administration, and implementation of programs that enhance the quality of life in downtown Albany. One of Don’s largest, permanent projects to date has been the completion of the new Olde English Downtown Dog Park. Don acts as a liaison for the Albany Police and other City Departments to ensure code compliance and safety within the District. In addition to overseeing the day-to-day operations of the contracted Clean Team Ambassadors, the group who helps keep sidewalks clear of litter, snow and ice, he also works closely with the Department of General Services in order to continually improve visual appeal and infrastructure throughout the District while responding to the needs of Stakeholders.

In his previous position, Don was the General Manager at The Mailworks, a direct mail solutions company based in Albany, NY. During his tenure at The Mailworks, Don honed his skills in managing profitable operations, which was highlighted by an effective combination of customer service and sales training with new market development, operations, and business analysis. Prior to The Mailworks, Don served as General Manager for Empire Brewing Company in Syracuse, NY before relocating to the Capital Region. His demonstrable skill of working and negotiating with businesses and consumers alike allows Don to have an immediate impact at the BID. Don holds a BS in Criminal Justice from the State University College at Brockport.

Rebecca re-joined the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District team in September 2018. As Marketing & Communications Manager, she handles social media, print and digital newsletters, ribbon cuttings, and ongoing marketing and communications projects for the BID, all with the objective of featuring Downtown as a great place to work, live, and play. Rebecca works with each team member to develop and implement campaigns highlighting the BID's wide variety of Stakeholders, events, hidden gems and ongoing attractions. Her passion lies in anything animal related - so don't be surprised if she approaches you to take a picture of your dog (all in the name of promoting Downtown, of course).

 
Rebecca's previous roles have included working as a journalist, editor, community engagement editor, and marketing campaign strategist. When she's not at the BID, Rebecca can be found reading, re-watching her favorite sitcoms, and playing with her dog Groot (who's allergic to people - yes, really).

Jevan joined the BID in August 2022. As Special Events Manager, Jevan is responsible for the fundraising, implementation, and management of the BID’s signature events. He is also tasked with designing new event concepts and projects that improve the quality of life in Downtown while showcasing the District’s attributes. Jevan’s foremost objective is to highlight downtown Albany as a destination, by creating exciting, memorable experiences for all to enjoy. Jevan works collaboratively with many local government offices, arts and tourism organizations, cultural venues, and businesses to achieve the most successful outcome for all events in Downtown. Jevan holds a B.A. in Communications from the University at Albany, SUNY.

His previous experience includes five years working with Albany’s Lark Street BID, where he served as Co-Executive Director, and was responsible for the planning and execution of signature events such as LarkFest and Art On Lark, and the introduction of successful events including the Chili Chowder Stroll and Lark Street Restaurant Week.

During his free time, you’ll find Jevan attending a concert, cooking, cycling, or enjoying a delicious coffee pour-over.

Kate joined the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District team in March 2019. As Program Coordinator she supports the Executive Director and other BID staff members on the development and planning of strategic initiatives that align with the Organization’s mission. She is responsible for BID Board and committee coordination and communication. Kate maintains the organization wide database system, administers grants awards, assists in fiscal management, as well as overall oversight of the office. She is a licensed Notary Public and is able to provide notary services to our Stakeholders during regular business hours.

 
Previously, Kate has worked as a receptionist and legal secretary at a local law firm and has held a variety of administrative roles at Aker Solutions, a large, international oil and gas company based in Oslo, Norway.  Kate holds a BFA in Dance from Adelphi University, is a dancer with the Albany Berkshire Ballet and currently teaches ballet at several different dance studios in the Capital Region.