Less than five months after its acceptance into the Florida Main Street program, the Park Avenue District has announced the hiring of Carina Sexton as executive director.
“The Park Avenue District Board of Directors is confident that Carina’s experience and leadership will be invaluable in guiding the district’s success in the years to come,” said Park Avenue District Board President Sarah Grafton in a prepared statement. “We are excited to have her represent our Main Street.”
Sexton was born in Winter Park and attended Winter Park High School. Her family owned Downeast of Winter Park, where she spent 25 years marketing, merchandising, and coordinating special events before the retail business closed in 2016. Her experience also includes purchasing and marketing for Ivey’s Winter Park department store between 1987 and 1991.
Her philanthropic and community leadership experience includes Board seats and event organization for The Orlando Museum of Art Council of 101, Howard Phillips Center for Children and Families, and Junior League of Greater Orlando.
Sexton will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of District operations including utilizing historical preservation as the foundation for economic development. She will work closely with community leaders, local businesses and stakeholders on promotion and enhancement. She will also oversee Florida Main Street program initiatives.
In November, Park Avenue District was approved by the state as an apprentice in the program, which provides technical assistance in the revitalization and economic development of historic downtowns. Over the next three years, Park Avenue District will receive assistance in the following areas:
- Economic vitality
- Marketing
- Leadership
- Education
- Beautification
“I believe Carina’s retail experience and passion for both Winter Park’s history and it’s future success is exactly what we need to lead the Park Avenue District a new Florida Main Street,” Grafton told the32789. “She has tremendous insight into the day to day opportunities and needs of our members.”
