Montclair Center BID names board chairman as interim director

BY ERIN ROLL & JAIMIE JULIA WINTERS
roll@montclairlocal.news

Jason Gleason, the current Montclair Center Business Improvement District board chairman, has been named as the BID's interim director.

The Montclair Center Business Improvement District board announced the appointment today, Aug. 13.

Gleason replaces Jennifer Brown who stepped down Aug. 2 after announcing her pending resignation in June. Brown replaced Israel Cronk in November 2018.

“We are completely thrilled that Jason will be assuming the leadership responsibilities for the Montclair Center BID,” said Nicole Silva, board member and co-chair of the executive search committee.

She said his passion for the district and his expertise on the retail and restaurant scene made him a natural choice as interim director until a permanent director is named. The BID is expected to hire a permanent director in February 2020.

Gleason said he is looking forward to providing the BID a "steady hand" during a time of strategic planning and growth for the BID.

“The synergy of arts, retail, world-class dining and a caring, involved district makes downtown Montclair vibrant and exciting,” said Gleason. “I look forward to serving this incredible community in this new role.”

Gleason became chair of the Montclair Center BID in 2019, after previously serving as Assistant Treasurer/Secretary in 2018.

For six years, he was general manager of the Pig & Prince Restaurant overseeing a $2 million budget and a team of 35 employees. The Pig & Prince closed last month.

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. Gleason's contract is $42,500 for a six month period, said BID officials.

Representing the over 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.