The Downtown Austin Alliance is proud to acknowledge the service of its distinguished outgoing board members whose volunteer efforts have advanced the organization and vision for downtown through their expertise, forward-thinking leadership, and passion to strengthen our organization and create a vibrant downtown. We extend our deepest gratitude to our former board members -their volunteer efforts, expertise, visionary leadership and passion.
Robert Barnes, President & CEO of IBC Bank – Austin, joined our board in 2015. He contributed to our efforts through his services on the Safety & Hospitality Committee, Public Space Experience Committee and the Republic Square Capital Campaign Committee. We are delighted that he will continue serving as a member our Advisory Council and on the Public Space Experience Committee this year.
Lawrence Graham, the Manager of Regulatory Affairs at Texas Gas Service, has served on our board since 2010. He led the board as chair for two terms and served on the Safety & Hospitality Committee and the Public Space Experience Committee. His leadership of Republic Square is commendable as he helped to spearhead the revitalization of the park while chair of the Parks Committee and later served on the Republic Square Capital Campaign Committee.
David Kahn, Managing Partner at Colina West Real Estate, has been instrumental in promoting the arts downtown since joining our board in 2016. His sidewalk parklets, showcasing art and culture on Congress Avenue and East 6th Street, have enhanced the city’s aesthetic appeal.
Brad Maples, the Managing Director of Trammell Crow Company Austin, served on the PID Reauthorization Task Force 2021-2022. He joined the board in 2021, and his contributions to reauthorizing the Public Improvement District for 10 years were been significant.
Nikelle Meade, Partner at Husch Blackwell LLP, has been on our board since 2015. She served as board Secretary from 2021 to 2023 and was the Vice Chair of the Economic Development Committee and the Governance Committee. She will continue serving as a valuable member of the Advisory Council.
Sania Shifferd, Associate Director at Arcadis/IBI Group, has been a catalyst in the transformation of downtown streets and public spaces since 2011. She has chaired the Place and Planning Committee and the Parks Committee and actively served on several committees over her tenure including the Parks, Strategic Planning, Development Policy, Governance, Public Space Experience and Active Urbanism committees. Sania volunteered her time on multiple activations and pilot projects from Congress Avenue visioning charrettes to the Holiday Stroll. We are excited about her continued service as a member of the Advisory Council this year.
Timothy Sullivan, the Regional Vice President of White Lodging (retired), represented signature downtown hotels including the JW Marriott and Marriott Convention Center while serving on our board since 2020. He also served on the PID Reauthorization Task Force 2021-2022.
Daniel Woodroffe, President & Founder of dwg., joined our board in 2018 and has been a champion for downtown parks and public spaces. He chaired the Congress Avenue WOW Committee, co-chaired the Republic Square Capital Campaign Committee, and served on the Parks Committee for many years. Daniel led the effort to revitalize the Auction Oaks and build the signature deck. He has been instrumental in the creation and enhancement of many parks, plazas and parklets in downtown Austin and in the development of innovative techniques and policies that support the health and sustainability of our downtown tree canopy.
We sincerely thank our outgoing board members for their invaluable contributions. Their tireless efforts have helped shape and strengthen our organization, leaving a lasting impact on downtown Austin. We look forward to their continued involvement and guidance in the future.