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
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.
Vice President
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.
Leslie Skinner
Board Member
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. He currently serves on the City's Economic Development Authority.
Adam Steely
Sharon Scruggs
Treasurer
Owner, Fife and Drum Inn
Sharon's been a Williamsburg resident her entire life. She served on the board of the Williamsburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority for 16 years, overseeing the Triangle Building on Prince George street and has opened five small businesses in the downtown throughout her career. She is the manager of The Hitchens Building on Prince George Street, which houses the Fife and Drum Inn, owned by Sharon and her husband Billy. The building is also home to a restaurant, boutique shops, a real estate office and community gathering space. Being part of the Main Street program in Williamsburg was an easy decision for Sharon, who hopes to be able to enhance the awareness of a broader downtown area during her time on the board.
Employee Engagement &
Teammate Success
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.
Katherine
Bailey
Board Member
Owner, Wythe Candy
Kimberly
Angles
Secretary
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.
Monique
Osterhoudt
Board Member
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.
Diane
KOUN
Board Member
Founder of Let Freedom Ring
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.
Bobby
Braxton
Ben Munson
Sponsors
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