FAB FULTON, or Fulton Area Business Alliance, the business improvement district that spans two neighborhoods along the major artery of Fulton Street in Brooklyn, recently announced the appointment of a new Executive Director, Christina Chavez.
Ms. Chavez, an alumnus of nearby Pratt Institute, most recently served as Assistant Director, Planning and Development, at the Long Island City Partnership (LICP). Here, she focused on a number of community development projects and small business support programs. Prior to joining LICP, Ms. Chavez worked at Brooklyn Hearth Realty, a small business in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn.
“We were sure to hire someone with a progress-oriented vision who can lead us into a wonderful, FABulous future while keeping the interests of residents, merchants and property owners in mind at all times,” said Max Nager, chair of the FAB FULTON hiring committee. “We have full faith that Christina will take off running and continue all the great work that has been done already.”
As Executive Director, Ms. Chavez will work closely with the BID-area businesses, property owners, residents, elected officials, partners and other stakeholders to ensure Fulton Street in Brooklyn’s neighborhoods of Fort Greene and Clinton Hill continue to thrive and benefit from available resources and opportunities mined and implemented by FAB FULTON. The Brooklyn Cultural District is seated in Fort Greene and has seen tremendous residential and institutional growth over recent years. Clinton Hill has also seen growth, with many former vacant lots now activated by residential buildings with businesses on the ground floor. In both communities, the creation of public spaces led by FAB FULTON complement merchants’ own storefront beautification efforts which add to the inviting nature of the neighborhood.
In response to the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, Ms. Chavez will work to ensure the community has the information and resources needed to protect themselves and others, and essential businesses and services can continue to operate safely.
“I have long admired the exceptional work of FAB FULTON to make Fulton Street an exciting and dynamic place that serves a diverse community of businesses and residents,” noted Ms. Chavez. “Under the leadership of Phillip Kellogg, Fulton Street has received significant city investment to improve the public realm and create spaces that serve the entire community. Now, with the unprecedented impact that COVID-19 will have on our businesses, property owners, and the entire Fulton Street community, I will work closely with our government partners and elected officials to ensure our District receives the assistance and resources it needs during this difficult time.”
“I am thrilled with the hiring committee’s selection of Christina Chavez as Executive Director and am very excited about the organization’s future under her leadership,” said Phillip Kellogg, FAB’s outgoing Executive Director.
While working with the LICP, Ms. Chavez oversaw the production of the LIC Comprehensive Plan and release of the Phase 1: Summary Report (2016). The Summary Report presented a vision for equitable neighborhood development while balancing the needs of a diverse business community. Following the release of the Summary Report, Ms. Chavez helped raise more than $400,000 in public and private grant funding for projects to address some of the Comprehensive Plan’s recommendations for neighborhood improvements. These projects included streetscape beautification through community-made art installations; a new smart signage system and web application to support retail businesses; and advocacy work that called for creating safer, pedestrian-friendly streets.
As General Manager at Brooklyn Hearth Realty, Ms. Chavez was responsible for day-to-day operations and managed the opening of a second office location in Park Slope. Ms. Chavez was also the main community liaison for the company and worked with the local merchants’ association and Business Improvement District.
Ms. Chavez received her M.S. in City and Regional Planning from Pratt Institute and a B.A. in History and Art History at Trinity College, Connecticut.
The candidate screening and selection process was led by a Hiring Committee of the FAB FULTON Board of Directors, which includes FAB business owners, commercial tenants, and property owners.
Ms. Chavez is available to assist FAB FULTON businesses with any questions or concerns, especially as we work through the Coronavirus crisis. Contact her via phone 718-928-3322, ext. 1; or via email: cchavez@faballiance.org.
