Easton Main Street Initiative announces leadership transition

After almost two decades at the helm of the Easton Main Street Initiative, Kim Kmetz is stepping down from her role as manager.

Kmetz was one of the first employees of the Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP), after it launched the Main Street program in 2005 to help revitalize Downtown Easton alongside key community partners, Lafayette College and the City of Easton. During her tenure, she launched countless efforts to bring volunteers together, support small businesses, and to grow pride in the community. Under Kmetz’s leadership, the Easton Main Street Initiative has consistently been named Pennsylvania’s top performing Main Street program and has been a perennial winner of Pennsylvania Downtown Center’s Townie Awards.

As part of the transition, Julie VanOsdol will be promoted to manager of the Easton Main Street Initiative, succeeding Kmetz. The leadership transition marks a passing of the torch for the organization as it continues its mission to promote and enhance Downtown Easton.

VanOsdol, who has served as assistant manager of the Easton Main Street Initiative for the past year, brings experience and a deep commitment to the community. Her tenure has been marked by successful projects such as the “Love, Easton” community art initiative, the “Match Made in Easton” Valentine promotion, and the “Easton Loves Local” summer retail week. Her vision for the future includes empowering the Design, Events, and Economic Vitality committees and strengthening collaboration with other GEDP programs.

While Kmetz is excited to hand off the leadership of Easton Main Street Initiative to VanOsdol, she also is excited to take on new challenges at GEDP’s nonprofit neighbor, the Nurture Nature Center, where she will serve as the first director of development.

“We can’t thank Kim enough for her dedication to GEDP and to Downtown Easton’s revitalization over the last 18 years,” said Jared Mast, executive director of the Greater Easton Development Partnership. “We also need to thank her for her conscientious mentorship of Julie over the last year to help assure our continued success. I look forward to our continued work in Easton together, and to future collaborations with her and the Nurture Nature Center.” Mast added, “looking ahead, it goes without saying that GEDP and the Easton Main Street Initiative remain dedicated to its mission of fostering a thriving Easton.”

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