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Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs selects Hannah Parsons as interim CEO

The Downtown Partnership has selected Hannah Parsons as its interim CEO, the nonprofit announced in a news release Monday.

A longtime fixture in the Colorado Springs business community, Parsons steps into the leadership role vacated by Susan Edmondson, who resigned in October due to health reasons.

“Under Susan Edmondson’s visionary leadership and strategic execution, we have achieved significant growth and transformation,” Parsons said in a statement. “The full extent of her impact is beyond measure.”

A transition team consisting of several local business leaders selected Parson from dozens of potential candidates, the release stated.

“Hannah is absolutely the right person for the job at this critical time” said Jen Furda, chair of the Downtown Partnership Board. “We have several exciting projects underway including the update to the Downtown Master Plan. Hannah’s experience, expertise, and dedication to our community will be instrumental to continuing that work as we conduct the search for the permanent CEO.”

This will be Parsons’ second stint as the Partnership’s interim CEO. She previously served in the role before Edmondson’s hiring in early 2013.

Parsons brings a wealth of business and leadership experience to the job, officials said. She has served as chief operating officer of Barn Owl Tech and chief economic/community development officer at the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, as well as serving at several other ventures in the area.

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“I am thrilled to hear Hannah has been selected to serve our community in this important leadership role,” Mayor Yemi Mobolade said in the release. “My city team and I look forward to working with Hannah to continue the positive trajectory of Downtown Colorado Springs.”

The Downtown Partnership, an advocacy group whose stated mission is “to ensure that downtown serves as the economic, civic and cultural heart of Colorado Springs,” is in the process of forming a selection committee to recruit a permanent president and CEO, according to the release. Parsons will begin serving as interim leader on Dec. 1.

“It’s a privilege to join the impressive Partnership team during this time of transition,” she said.

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