San Jose Downtown Association CEO departs

The dynamic leader of a nonprofit focused on revitalizing downtown San Jose has stepped down.

After three years at the helm of the San Jose Downtown Association, CEO Alex Stettinski has left “to pursue his next professional chapter,” according to the organization. The association represents more than 2,000 businesses, nonprofits and property owners. It aids business development and sponsors city events, playing a key role in shaping downtown’s core.

Stettinski brought energy, creativity and a deep commitment to the vitality of San Jose and helped usher in a new era of creativity, Emily Ruvalcaba, board chair of the downtown association, said.

“He deepened relationships with city leaders, property owners and small business owners,” she told San José Spotlight. “Under Alex’s direction, (San Jose Downtown Association) expanded its programming, sharpened its strategic vision and became a more visible and respected advocate for the future of downtown.”

Stettinski did not respond to a request for comment about why he stepped down. 

The board of directors appointed former Board Chair Alan “Gumby” Marques as interim CEO. Ruvalcaba said Marques’ longstanding commitment to the downtown association and his deep knowledge of the community and local business landscape make him a natural choice during the leadership transition. 

“We will be looking for someone collaborative, visionary and deeply committed to the community,” she said. “Someone who really understands San Jose, who has been a proven leader in the business community and who can be a bold and visible voice for our members.”

Stettinski was passionate about collaborating with community leaders to create a vibrant downtown through strategic planning, economic development, marketing and advocacy, he said on social media.

“I see opportunity at every street corner. I also see the challenges at a lot of street corners,” Stettinski previously told San José Spotlight. “Many of the problems facing the area aren’t new. Downtown for years has felt the impact of empty storefronts and blight and has long borne a significant brunt of the region’s homelessness crisis.”

San Jose Chamber of Commerce CEO Leah Toeniskoetter said Stettinski brought “an unwavering energy and a deep commitment” to downtown.

“His leadership helped drive real progress, from the installation of the San Pedro Street mural, to expanding pedestrian access through street closures that enhance walkability and vibrancy,” Toeniskoetter told San José Spotlight. “His appreciation for the beautification of downtown always impressed me. I appreciated his attention to detail and caring about places like San Pedro Square and San Pedro Street. Closing Post Street as well and finding places for the pedestrian experience was right on track.”

Toeniskoetter said improving foot traffic and walkability downtown is crucial for helping small businesses thrive and filling retail and commercial office space. She said promoting walkability, especially during the daytime, is an essential part of downtown’s recovery post pandemic. She applauds San Jose Downtown Association’s support of events activating downtown, such as Dine Downtown, San Pedro Saturdays and Music in the Park.

“The downtown association, and Alex in particular, were very collaborative,” she said. “There wasn’t any, ‘That’s my territory, that’s yours.’ It was, ‘We need to activate downtown holistically; everybody let’s get around the same table together and make that happen.’ I’m very appreciative of the opportunity I had to work with him, and I wish him the best of luck in his next venture.”

Contact Lorraine Gabbert at [email protected].