Mairin Bennett, new executive director of Red Bank Rivercenter. (Photo by Brian Donohue. Click to enlarge.)
By BRIAN DONOHUE
Red Bank Rivercenter, the nonprofit organization charged with promoting and improving downtown Red Bank, has named the former head of Toms River’s special improvement district as its new executive director.
Mairin Bennett assumed the post Monday morning and will work alongside outgoing executive director Bob Zuckerman for the remainder of 2024, RiverCenter announced in a press release. Zuckerman, who has led the agency since June 2022, announced his plans to retire earlier this year.
The press release touted Bennett’s “significant experience leading a downtown management organization and a Main Street program, serving as executive director of the Downtown Toms River Special Improvement District since 2020.”
She also held several positions within the New Jersey Department of Transportation and the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
John Anderson, Chair of RiverCenter’s board said, “Mairin’s strong experience managing a thriving downtown in our region and her first-hand experience in state government made her the natural choice to succeed Bob Zuckerman as our executive director.”
“RiverCenter is excited to start a new chapter with Mairin at the helm.”
RiverCenter was created in 1991 to revitalize the downtown business district. It is funded by a special tax on downtown commercial properties and also applies for grants for various projects. It has an annual budget of $580,000.
Bennett, who grew up in Little Silver, said in the press release: “I am truly excited and honored to be named the new Executive Director of Red Bank RiverCenter.”
“As someone who has grown up in the area, Red Bank has always been close to my heart, and it’s a privilege to have the opportunity to give back to this vibrant community. Having spent so much time here, I know firsthand what makes our downtown so special, and I’m eager to work alongside the talented board, local businesses, property owners, and residents to continue enhancing Red Bank’s success and dynamic atmosphere. I look forward to helping make our downtown even more welcoming, thriving, and full of opportunity as we move forward together.”
redbankgreen editor Brian Donohue may be reached via email at [email protected] or by calling or texting 848-331-8331 or yelling his name loudly as he walks by. Do you value the news coverage provided by redbankgreen? Please become a financial supporter if you haven’t already. Click here to set your own level of monthly or annual contribution.
