Montclair BID names full-time executive director
Jason Gleason has been named as Montclair BID executive director. Gleason had been serving as the acting executive director since August of last year, and previously, as the board president.
Gleason replaced Jennifer Brown who stepped down Aug. 2, 2019. Brown replaced Israel Cronk in November 2018.
“We are delighted to have Jason as our new executive director,” said Lisa Johnson, president of the Montclair Center BID. “His knowledge of the community, the needs of business owners, and the consumers' concerns come directly from his years working in the business district and as a board member.”
Montclair Center BID officials also announced its executive board for 2020: President Johnson, Vice-President Phil Cantor, Treasurer Jennifer Bobal, Secretary Sue Schultz and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Jarmilla Packard.
Gleason will be leading all the 2020 BID projects and initiatives including a new free wellness festival, “Love Yourself Montclair,” which will be held at the Wellmont Theater on Saturday, March 21. The BID’s music program will include a June Springfest, the return of Oktoberfest and six focused Center Stage concerts developed in partnership with Montclair music organizations. The BID will also be pursuing a second phase of the mural program to bring more art and placemaking downtown. Additionally, the BID will be starting a property-owner committee, working on parking solutions, and continuing business-owner education programs.
Gleason was named as president of the Montclair Center BID in 2019, after previously serving as assistant treasurer/secretary for 2018. Formerly of the Pig and Prince Restaurant of Montclair, Gleason has worked in the community for nine years and was instrumental in developing the highly successful Oktoberfest celebration.
Gleason will be the fifth leader of the Montclair BID, which was founded in 2002. Cronk had been executive director of the BID since April 2016, when he replaced Luther Flurry. Cronk was also a board member with the BID prior to becoming director.
Brown’s annual salary was $100,000. During his interim tenure, Gleason had been contracted at $42,500 for a six month period, said BID officials.
Mayor Robert Jackson congratulated Gleason on his appointment and said he looked forward to a continued productive relationship, working on new programming for the community.
Representing more than 400 businesses and over 200 property owners in downtown Montclair, the Montclair Center BID is directly responsible for the music performances, beautification projects including plants and decorations, banners, way-finding signage and maintenance throughout the district. By encouraging dynamic collaboration, the Montclair Center BID also creates exciting events for shoppers and tourists, marketing opportunities for retailers and restauranteurs, and actively seeks to improve the area for businesses and residents. For more information, visit montclaircenter.com