Natacha Hayden has worked in downtown Port Huron for 13 years, most recently as the Marketing Specialist for McMorran Place & Parks & Recreation. Now, she has been named the next Downtown Development Authority Director for the City of Port Huron.
Hayden has been working with downtown businesses as she managed events and programming for McMorran and Parks & Rec, and it gave her plenty of time to get to develop relationships.
“This time working with these business leaders and entrepreneurs has given me good insight on the needs for downtown, both infrastructure- and economic development-wise,” said Hayden.
According to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), a Downtown Development Authority’s focus is to improve downtown districts and be a catalyst for new developments. As DDA Director, Hayden will work directly with the City Manager James Freed on existing and future projects that would benefit Downtown Port Huron.
In a press release, Freed said, “We are at a critical moment for downtown. We have a lot of projects going and new investment. These developments, coupled with our emergence from the COVID pandemic, required someone for this position that could hit the ground running. Mrs. Hayden has played a huge role in downtown and was a key player in the McMorran turnaround.”
Hayden starts her new position on Monday, December 6, 2021, taking over for Cynthia Cutright who was promoted to Special Projects Coordinator for the City of Port Huron. Hayden said, “I love downtown, it’s the heart of our city. Being able to begin my career, complete my education, and then have the opportunity to serve the community I love is very exciting.”
Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand
