Rhodes promoted to assistant director of the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District

The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) revealed the promotion of Marquita Rhodes to assistant director. In this newly created position, Rhodes will take a lead role in the day-to-day management of the organization and staff, assist in the movement of the BID's strategic plan and continue to elevate the BID's marketing and communications efforts. "Part of the BID's strategic planning has involved cultivating the organization's team," said Mark Holtzman, partner at KPMG and chairperson of the BID board. "We are excited to be able create this new position and promote from within the organization, pulling on the knowledge and creativity that Marquita has brought to the BID over the past two years." In May 2011, Rhodes was hired as the marketing manager to drive the marketing and communication efforts of the BID. Her accomplishments include: elevating brand standards for the organization and downtown Albany; driving communication and social medias platforms forward; and conceptualizing and implementing new event programs such as the Jingle Elf Quest scavenger hunt, a world record event, Treasure Albany and Illuminate Downtown annual meetings, as well as multiple other event enhancements. Under her direction, the BID's website traffic increased by 47% in 2012 alone, while the BID's social media presence was increased from three to six channels, developing each outlet to cultivate an engaged and local audience. The area's original biannual Restaurant Week program has also increased in public participation, most recently by close to a thousand diners in one week. "With the transition of the City's administration and Downtown tactical plan well underway by Capitalize Albany Corporation, 2014 will be an exciting year for Albany," said Georgette Steffens, executive director, Downtown Albany BID. "This promotion will allow the BID to be positioned strong and focused for the benefit of our Stakeholders." "For me, part of the attraction in working at the BID is that no day is ever the same," said Rhodes. "From soup-to-nuts, every staff member is willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done and bring relevance and vibrancy to Downtown. I am proud to take on this new leadership role and continue the BID's hard work." Prior to joining the BID, Rhodes led a wide range of agency projects including: brand development, marketing and advertising strategy, and industry and customer communications. website development and media relations at an internationally recognized brand and communications firm based in upstate New York. She also worked in both New York State and Italy managing community and housing programs for the U.S. Department of Defense. During her federal tenure, she implemented a global marketing campaign resulting in $2 million revenue and was instrumental in finding ways to save taxpayers thousands of dollars. Rhodes currently serves as President-Elect for Soroptimist International of Saratoga County. She holds a Master's of Public Policy (MPP) from Regent University and a Bachelor of Arts from Sweet Briar College.