Corning's Gaffer District Staff

Coleen serves as Executive Director of the corporation and therefore provides overall leadership of the Corning Intown District Management Association, Inc. (DBA Corning's Gaffer District) so that productivity goals and strategic objectives are met and that full accountability to the Board of Directors is maintained. She serves as the public face of Corning's Gaffer District and is, therefore, the principal liaison with other community leaders throughout the region and the state. A key priority is the work she does with the staff and community partners to retain and strengthen existing businesses and to motivate private investment throughout the District.

Kelli primarily focuses on bookkeeping for the District's office. She manages all financial transactions and records, including check requests, invoicing, and payroll. Kelli also administers all Human Resources paperwork for the Gaffer District staff. She assists Market Street Restoration Agency and many other additional office duties.

Sandie oversees administrative services and operational functions for Corning's Gaffer District, which includes planning, staffing, and budgeting per the Business Improvement District (BID) agreement with the City of Corning. This incorporates the Centerway Parking Garage, Historic Centerway Walking Bridge, Street Enhancements (flowers, trees, lights, etc.) and the Corning Transportation Center. She supervises the Maintenance Manager, Maintenance Assistant, and Office Manager positions. Sandie, who has worked in the Corning Business Community for more than 30 years, is the staff chair for the Safety and Physical Infrastructure Work Plan Group.

Ginny provides the first point of contact for the Gaffer District at our front desk, in person, via telephone, as well as through email and U.S. mail. Her duties include overseeing the Hometown Hero banner program, supporting Gaffer District social media campaigns, recruiting our event volunteers, administrative support to staff, overseeing the Centerway brick program, and other related duties. Ginny brings us invaluable experience from ownership of the former Imagine That! store.

Curt plans, organizes, manages and provides oversight for the maintenance operations and activities within Corning's Gaffer District, including daily monitoring of the maintenance staff. He also represents the Gaffer District maintenance department at various meetings with our partners and vendors and assists at events.

Kristen leads an experienced creative team across the areas of design, marketing, and communications to ensure that downtown Corning is the place to shop, dine, and explore. Through brand consistency and collaboration with staff, Kristen is responsible for overseeing Corning's Gaffer District's creative direction, strategic marketing, communications, public relations, and social media programs. She also administers the District's grant programs related to economic development and funding for events and programs. Kristen joined the Gaffer District team in 2006 and holds a Master of Management from American Public University and a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management from Keuka College. A native of Corning, she lives in the City of Corning with her husband.

Tara works with Kristen to design in-house marketing collateral and logos for Gaffer District events. She manages the Gaffer District website, along with the design of the social media graphics. She also creates logos and signage for businesses in the District, working closely with the City of Corning Design Review Committee on behalf of the District business owners, as well as working with vendors on their behalf. She has her Associates in Advertising Design from Cuyahoga Community College, a Bachelor's in Graphic Communications from Notre Dame College, and over 15 years' experience in design throughout Ohio and Texas. A native of Corning, she is happy to finally be home doing what she loves.

Annie works full-time within the Marketing & Design Department in a variety of capacities. Annie's primary focus is managing the Visual Merchandising program available to all businesses within the Gaffer District. She designs and implements engaging seasonal displays in over 50 businesses and public spaces within the District. Annie enjoys collaborating with merchants and community partners to create designs that promote their unique products and services while strengthening the Gaffer District Brand. She works closely with the Marketing Team to develop social media content and develop creative ideas for district promotions. A former prop stylist for Film & Photography, Visual Merchandising Assistant, as well as Gaffer District Merchant with over 30 years of Visual Design and retail experience, Annie is ideally suited to work with the Marketing and Design Team to enhance the overall visual look of the District. A Corning native, her work embodies her love and passion for our vibrant downtown.

My name is Nate Basch, and I am the Events Director for Corning's Gaffer District. The Gaffer District is a not-for-profit organization that strives to make the historic downtown of Corning, NY, a vibrant, attractive, and dynamic area for people to do business, live, shop, explore, and enjoy. One of the ways we achieve this goal is by hosting several large festivals throughout the year. Our largest festival is the Glassfest, which takes place over Memorial Day weekend each year. This four-day arts festival brings in over 10,000 attendees throughout the event.

Matthew manages the Gaffer District's integrated marketing communications. As the Marketing and Communications Manager, he is responsible for designing and implementing the Gaffer District's strategic marketing objectives to enhance the overall economic vitality, community character, and physical sustainability of downtown Corning. Matthew works closely with the Marketing & Design team to consistently channel the Gaffer District brand across all touchpoints to heighten the consumer experience and increase visitation to our district. Matthew joined the Gaffer District team in 2020 and holds a master's in digital marketing and advertising from Liberty University and a bachelor's in business administration from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania. As a native of the area, he is passionate about sharing the unique experience provided by our downtown.