JANESVILLE — The Downtown Janesville Business Improvement District today announced they have hired Lawan Glasscock as the organization’s first executive director.
Glasscock brings over 25 years of experience in both for-profit and nonprofit business, and will officially step into the position in mid-April, according to a news release from the group.
Glasscock most recently was executive director of the Monona-based Christians in the Visual Arts where she is credited with more than doubling membership and increasing earned income and grants in a five-year period.
The Downtown Janesville BID was established in 2017 to support, revitalize, and grow downtown Janesville businesses.
“Lawan will be an amazing ambassador for downtown property and business owners. Her past experience in non-profit, the arts, and consulting have prepared her to build on the momentum our downtown has shown since the incorporation of the Arise Plan,” said Matt Kealy, downtown business owner of drafthouse and BID Board Vice Chair.
This new role is made possible through a grant from the Forward Foundation, the charitable arm of Forward Janesville, the city’s main chamber of commerce.
Glasscock said she is delighted to take on the responsibilities of this new position and looks forward to working together with downtown business owners towards improving Janesville’s exciting future.
“Building resilient communities that positively impact the overall quality of life has always been a deep passion for me. I’m thrilled that I will now be able to do that in my own backyard,” Glasscock said.
Glasscock’s background also includes successful grant writing, diversity outreach, professional development programming and innovative curation of cultural experiences that engaged multi-generational audiences at all levels.
Glasscock gained a hard-earned reputation as a dedicated servant leader and receives numerous accolades from clients, board members, and volunteers with which she worked.