About Us

Continuously Improving Our Downtown

Williamsburg Downtown is a non-profit economic development organization created in partnership with the City of Williamsburg to enhance the awareness and economic vitality of the downtown business district.

Our Story

In 2020 the City of Williamsburg received a Main Streets Grant to fund the creation of a downtown business district that includes all Businesses, Restaurants and Merchants in the Williamsburg Downtown area.

Our volunteer board of directors, comprised of residents, business owners, faith leaders and community advocates works together to curate and support city improvement projects and events that make the most of Williamsburg's historical and natural beauty within the city limits.

Williamsburg has more to offer residents and tourists than they often realize. It's our goal to shine a light on all that this wonderful community has to offer. We welcome your ideas and encourage you to consider volunteering to help with future projects.

Meet The Team

President

Ben Muson

Broker/Owner - Memorie Group Real Estate

Ben is a licensed real estate broker who serves residential and commercial clients at his newly launched Memorie Group office on Prince George Street. He is passionate about walkable communities, historic building preservation and sustainable building design. Ben also serves as Treasurer of the Williamsburg Multiple Listing Service (MLS) board.

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Vice President

Leslie Skinner

CFO, Skinner Law Office

CEO, Speak!

Leslie comes from the Corporate world and is always excited to use those skills in both the Skinner Law Office and her consulting firm, Speak! Leslie was born in Williamsburg, lives downtown and owns a business downtown. This amazing group - Williamsburg Downtown - is something that she is happily lending her sales, problem-solving, and community engagement skills to on a regular basis! Leslie is excited to bring all of our fun and unique community members together to continue to make Williamsburg Downtown a really special place.

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Promotions

Adam Steely

Illy Caffe owner & Co-owner of Blue Talon

Adam has been in the restaurant business for nearly 40 years. He is co-owner of Blue Talon Bistro and he and his wife, Dyana, opened Illy Caffe on Duke of Gloucester Street in 2019.

Director/Secretary

Monique Omura Osterhoudt

Director of Williamsburg Downtown

A transplant from New York, Monique and her family are proud to call Williamsburg home after moving over 7 years ago. She graduated with a degree from the University of Florida with a Major in Advertising and was classically trained as a chef at the Culinary Institute of America. She was in the restaurant industry for 11+ years before joining the Williamsburg Downtown team.

Board Member

Kimberly Angles

Owner of Wythe Candy & Gourmet Shop.

Board Member

Bobby Braxton

Served on the Williamsburg City Council and has worked with multiple location organizations, including William and Mary's Lemon Project and First Baptist Church. He was awarded the 2016 Prentis Award given to people in the Williamsburg community for their strong civic involvement and support of the university.

Let Freedom Ring

Employee Engagement/Teammate Success

Katherine Bailey

Program Coordinator, William & Mary Law School

Katherine Bailey is a long-time ambassador of the Williamsburg Downtown area. Katherine lived in the Historic Area right on Duke of Gloucester Street with her children for nearly seven years where she hosted many festive events and parties, visited with guests from all over the world, and became well-known for her modern take on the holiday wreaths that are a long-standing, annual tradition for Colonial Williamsburg. Although they are no longer in the Historic Area, Katherine and her family moved just up the street and still spend a great deal of time in the downtown area. Katherine has worked for and volunteered for CW in several capacities over the years. Currently, Katherine is on staff at William & Mary Law School and works as a project manager for several organizations around the country.

Board Member

Diane Koun

Manager, Bruton Parish Church Gift Shop

Diane was the owner and manager of The Silver Vault, a retail shop on Duke of Gloucester Street, for 40 years. Upon retirement, she was recruited by Bruton Parish Church to assume the responsibility of managing their Gift Shop which was renovated in 2017. Diane is especially pleased that the proceeds from Bruton Parish Gift Shop benefit people in need in our community. Through both these businesses she has had a long standing and continued interest in the future of the downtown area. It is exciting to be part of a dynamic group such as Williamsburg Downtown to promote businesses which make up this vital district.

About Us

Our Story

Meet The Team

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