When Executive Director Matt Gladdek left the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership in February 2023, the nonprofit conducted a search across several months to find his successor.

After yet another leadership change, though, the organization is sticking with a familiar face to run its operations.

The Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership announced Jeri Lynn Schulke as its latest executive director on Thursday, moving into the role Rebecca Mormino was named to six months prior. Schulke served as the nonprofit’s director of arts and culture since August 2022 and stepped in as its interim executive director between Gladdek’s departure and Mormino’s hiring.

“It’s so exciting to be working to help support and shape the future of Downtown Chapel Hill,” said Schulke in Thursday’s release. “I’m looking forward to collaborating with local business owners, City leaders, partner organizations, and other community stakeholders to implement new programs and promotional strategies that will enhance Downtown Chapel Hill’s brand as a thriving and welcoming commercial destination.”

Jeri Lynn Schulke. (Photo via the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership.)

“Jeri Lynn will be an outstanding leader for the Partnership,” said Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership Board Chair Doug Rothwell. “She knows Chapel Hill, understands the work of the Partnership, has a successful track record, and has the full support and confidence of the board. Downtown Chapel Hill is attracting new investment, workers, and visitors at rates we have not seen in years. We are excited that Jeri Lynn will be leading our organization during this exciting time for our community.”

Schulke moved to Chapel Hill after joining the Master of Fine Arts program at UNC and previously worked as the producing artistic director for The ArtsCenter in Carrboro and a producing associate at Playmakers Repertory Company before joining the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership. Thursday’s release said she is committed to the nonprofit’s history of building strong relationships with downtown business owners and the local government. The organization’s mission statement is to “advocate for downtown Chapel Hill through programming, marketing, business support, and community building.”

Schulke said she is passionate about promoting vibrancy and vitality downtown, and will use her own arts-based perspectives to help achieve that.

“I believe in the power of the arts to transform lives and build communities,” she added. “I am a life-long learner and have a passion for making Chapel Hill a great place to live through exposure to the arts.”

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