Leadership change at the heart of Naperville’s downtown
The Downtown Naperville Alliance (DNA) announced Tuesday that Dawn Portner, who currently serves as Naperville’s city clerk, will become the organization’s next executive director on Sept. 14. The appointment, made by the DNA Board of Directors, marks a planned transition from longtime leader Katie Wood, who will move into a consultative role as she begins semi-retirement.
Local experience highlighted as asset
In a news release from the DNA, board chairman Joseph Tota praised Portner’s municipal background, saying her city experience and community knowledge make her “an outstanding fit to lead DNA into its next chapter.” The board emphasized that Portner’s familiarity with city operations will bring a distinct perspective to the organization that coordinates promotion, events and business support for Naperville’s Central Business District.
“Her extensive experience with the City of Naperville, her knowledge of our community and her commitment to Naperville make her an outstanding fit to lead DNA into its next chapter.” — DNA Board Chairman Joseph Tota
Portner also commented in the release, expressing enthusiasm about working with downtown businesses and community partners. “Downtown Naperville is a special place, and I look forward to working alongside our businesses, community partners and the DNA team to continue building on its success,” she said.
Transition plans and continuity
Wood, who first took the executive director post in 2007, has overseen the downtown’s more than 300 shops, restaurants and services during her tenure. She stepped down in 2021 but returned to the role in 2023. The DNA board praised her contributions and said she will remain connected to the organization to support Portner as she assumes leadership.
- Dawn Portner: current city clerk of Naperville; begins role Sept. 14.
- Katie Wood: longtime executive director, transitioning to consultative capacity.
- DNA Board: cited Portner’s municipal experience and community knowledge as key reasons for selection.
What this means for downtown businesses
The Downtown Naperville Alliance serves as the primary business improvement organization for Naperville’s Central Business District, coordinating promotions, events and marketing support that affect hundreds of local businesses. Leadership changes at DNA can influence strategic priorities such as event programming, streetscape initiatives and business outreach.
By selecting a leader with municipal experience, the board signals an interest in strengthening ties between the city government and downtown business interests. Portner’s previous roles within city government were cited by the board as giving her a useful understanding of the community and its needs; the DNA will likely lean on that knowledge as it plans future activities and addresses operational matters in a busy downtown environment.
Timeline of recent executive leadership
| Year | Leader / Status |
|---|---|
| 2007 | Katie Wood begins as executive director |
| 2021 | Wood steps down |
| 2023 | Wood returns as executive director |
| 2026 (Sept. 14) | Dawn Portner assumes role; Wood moves to consultative role |
For downtown merchants and residents, the coming months will provide a clearer picture of how DNA under Portner’s leadership will approach promotional efforts, downtown activation and collaboration with the city. The board has framed the change as orderly and collaborative, with Wood remaining available to advise and assist during the handoff.
DNA did not release further detail in the announcement about specific strategic shifts or immediate priorities under the incoming director. The organization has historically managed a wide range of activities in the downtown area, and any policy or program changes will likely be shared publicly as Portner settles into the role.
The DNA’s selection process and the board’s public statements underscore the emphasis on continuity and local knowledge as downtown leadership changes hands.
