The running of the Downtown Market is the result of incredible teamwork. Here’s the team behind the work.
Mimi Fritz
President/CEO
Mimi has spent the past ten years designing strong urban places for communities of people to live and have fun. As president and CEO of the Downtown Market, she is focused on creating a healthier food system that connects farmers, chefs, and consumers.
mimi@downtownmarketgr.com
Mary Gunther
Director of Human Resources & Operations
Mary has a passion for moving organizations and people forward! Mary leads efforts to build human resource processes, procedures, and programs with the goal of making the Downtown Market an innovative, forward-thinking organization - and one of the best places to work for in Grand Rapids!
mary@downtownmarketgr.com
Amanda Gielczyk
Director of Marketing & Special Events
Amanda brings over ten years of retail marketing experience. She is a forward-thinking and results-oriented manager, with demonstrated expertise in event planning and media buying!
amanda@downtownmarketgr.com
Carrie Zandbergen
Director of Sales & Events
Carrie is helping to turn the Market into THE destination for magical events in downtown Grand Rapids. She oversees the private event staff, and is the person to talk to if you’re looking for a venue that your guests will never forget.
carrie@downtownmarketgr.com
Tom Peterson
Leasing & Tenant Relations Manager
Tom is an experienced commercial real estate professional with a complex background ranging from retail leasing to finance. Tom oversees all of our leasing activities as well as tenant relations, and strives to advance the Market’s mission to maintain and enhance its status as a vibrant gathering place for our community.
tom@downtownmarketgr.com
Whitney Lubbers
Incubator Kitchen Program Manager
Managing the Market’s Incubator Kitchen is no easy task. Growing up on the family dairy farm has made her resourceful and extremely motivated, with a passion for good food!
whitney@downtownmarketgr.com
Ryan Brinkerhoff
Creative Manager
Ryan is about as creative as they come. With a strong focus on design, he leads the Market’s branding and visual communication through careful art direction and execution.
ryan@downtownmarketgr.com
Carlie Zervan
Digital Marketing Coordinator
With more than five years of digital marketing experience, Carlie uses her knowledge and skills to tell the story of the Market. Carlie’s goal is to show the community that whether it’s a cooking class or scoop of ice cream, there is a little something for everyone at the Downtown Market.
socialmedia@downtownmarketgr.com
Emilie Gleason
Market Events Coordinator
A splendid mix of organized and creative, Emilie knows the power an amazing event can have. With a heart for small businesses she has a passion for creating events that will benefit the Market and the Grand Rapids community.
emilie@downtownmarketgr.com
Cait Fritz
Operations Manager
Cait’s efforts span multiple facets of the Market, office operations, technology, book keeping and so much more.
cait@downtownmarketgr.com
Emily Fitton
Sales & Events Coordinator
As an expert in Hospitality, Emily loves making people happy and creating memorable experiences. She is an enthusiastic member of the Private Rentals Department, and she can’t wait to help you plan your next event!
emily@downtownmarketgr.com
Kandel Ahola
Sales & Events Coordinator
Kandel has an extensive background in hospitality. Combine this with a passion for events and weddings, and she is the perfect addition to the Private Rentals Team!
kandel@downtownmarketgr.com
Katie Clark
Beverage & Events Manager
Katie handles beverage services and staffing for all Market private events. She is in charge of making sure your event’s bar is well staffed and your guests are well served!
katie@downtownmarketgr.com
Kelsey Harvey
Office Manager
Kelsey is indispensable when it comes to keeping the Admin Office running smoothly. Her attention to detail is only matched by her positive attitude!
kelsey@downtownmarketgr.com
Cameron Cramer
Administrative Coordinator
Cameron is here to assist Market guests with anything they may need during their visit. He is knowledgeable, cheerful, and happy to help!
cameron@downtownmarketgr.com
Shanna Massey
Administrative Coordinator
Shanna prides herself on being helpful, happy, and and full of Market knowledge. She is here to make your visit a successful one!
shanna@downtownmarketgr.com
Laura Rowland
Administrative Coordinator
Laura loves the Downtown Market, and she’s happy to tell you why! With a background in hospitality and communications, she’s always ready to give exceptional guest service - no matter what your needs.
laura@downtownmarketgr.com
Brian Burch
Public Relations
Brian is a communications professional with more than 12 years of experience working with some of the Midwest’s biggest ideas, including ArtPrize, Start Garden, the Grand Rapids Art Museum and Millennium Park: Chicago.
brian@burchpartners.com
Erin Cataldo
Public Relations
Erin takes PR seriously. She gets Market news out there with determination and creativity.
erin@burchpartners.com
Denise Hopkins
Greenhouse Manager
Denise brings her love of nature and experience creating empowering spaces to our greenhouse. As an architect, landscape designer, and plantswoman, she’s growing our indoor and outdoor gardens.
greenhouse@downtownmarketgr.com
OUR FACILITIES TEAM
Our porters do the hard work of keeping the Market clean and preparing our spaces for private events and Market activities.
Blake Flikkema
Facilities Manager
Blake works with Mike and the team to assist in all the various facilities needs within this impressive building. When it comes to maintenance and upkeep, he definitely knows his stuff!
blake@downtownmarketgr.com
Wanda Bluntson
Porter
