Dewitt Peart
President + CEO
Dewitt “De” Peart became the President and CEO of the Downtown Austin Alliance in February 2015. The Downtown Alliance is engaged in dozens of projects and issues that contribute to the quality development, mobility, safety, cleanliness, and attractiveness of downtown Austin for investors, businesses, employees, residents, and visitors. He guides the Downtown Alliance’s vision and strategy, ensures the organization’s fiscal health, and represents a board of directors focused on the creating, preserving and enhancing the vibe, value and vitality of downtown Austin.
Prior to taking the helm at the Downtown Alliance, De served as executive vice president for economic development and public affairs at the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, president of the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, and president of the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce.
For two decades, De held various positions at real estate development companies where he provided oversight for development projects including land-use planning, master planning, asset management, construction, property management, marketing and leasing.
His development of nearly seven million square feet of buildings and expertise in brownfield and urban redevelopment distinguish De’s career in real estate development.
A native of Pittsburgh, De has a master’s degree in public administration from Carnegie Mellon University and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Robert Morris University. He is married to Jane, and they have two adult sons.
De’s favorite things to do in downtown Austin:
- Watching any performance at Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theatre
- Relaxing in the shade underneath the historic Auction Oaks at Republic Square
- Being in the bar at the original Eddie V’s listening to live music and having a few oysters