June 30, 2021 | Announcing Darryl Young as New Chair of Main Street America Board | 


Please join us in welcoming Darryl Young as the new Chair of the Main Street America Board.

Darryl Young has served on the Board since 2015, and has played an integral role in the organization’s growth and success over the past six years. Darryl’s expertise in sustainable communities, philanthropy, and communications has brought an immense benefit to growing MSA’s work in advancing healthy communities with economically vibrant downtowns.

Darryl serves as the Director of the Sustainable Cities Program at the Summit Foundation, a program focused on connecting sustainability and climate leaders to tools, networks, frameworks, and knowledge resources to identify and scale solutions within the context of today’s highly complex urban challenges. Previously, he was General Manager and led the public relations practice at Riester, a national advertising, public relations, and social marketing firm.

“Darryl has been an incredible asset to our Board over the past six years,” said Patrice Frey, President and CEO of Main Street America. “I look forward to working with him in the years to come as Main Street America continues to champion and support the equitable recovery of Main Streets across the nation.”

Darryl is preceded by Ed McMahon, who served in this role from 2016 – 2021. “It has been an honor to serve as Chairman of Main Street America, especially during a time of great challenge for Main Streets,” said Ed. “Main Streets are the heart and soul of our communities and keeping them strong is critical to the health of our communities and our nation. I am also proud to welcome Darryl Young as my successor. He will bring great experience and strong leadership skills to this important position.”

Learn a little more about Darryl below:

Q. What do you hope to see MSA accomplish in the next year? The next five?
In the next year, I hope to see MSA continue to grow its advocacy program, urging federal, state and local officials to put needed resources toward Main Streets’ recovery from the pandemic. In the longer term, I hope to see MSA grow the number and diversity of types of Main Streets across America by supporting hard-working Main Street Coordinators, Executive Directors and Main Street Volunteers.

Q. Is there a Main Street or commercial district that has personal significance to you?
There are so many to list. Among my favorites are New Iberia, Louisiana, and Murphy Street in Sunnyvale, California (my hometown). I’m also excited to visit the Allapattah district in Miami - they’re doing exciting work to revitalize the district in a way that minimizes displacement of residents and small businesses.

Q. What piece of advice or words of encouragement would you give to a local Main Street leader?
Outstanding leaders go out of the way to boost the self-esteem of your community. If people believe in themselves, it’s amazing what they can accomplish.


Please join us in welcoming Darryl Young!