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NATCHEZ — The Downtown Natchez Alliance has appointed Leah Gibson Hunter as executive director.

Hunter replaces Kevin Miers, who resigned recently to take another position. Hunter begins her work with the Downtown Natchez Alliance on April 28.

A Mississippi native with a strong background in community outreach, strategic communications, and civic engagement, Hunter steps into her new role with energy and enthusiasm for DNA’s mission and the city’s future, said Norma West, DNA board president.

“I’ve dedicated my career to connecting people, places, and purpose,” said Hunter. “I saw this role as both a professional calling and a personal mission. Downtown revitalization is more than buildings — it’s about fostering pride, creating opportunity, and writing the next chapter of the city’s story together.”

Hunter was selected following a comprehensive search by the DNA Board of Directors. West expressed confidence in Hunter’s leadership and vision.

“Leah is smart, driven, and has already brought fresh energy and perspective to the table. We’re lucky to have her, and I’m excited to see where her leadership takes us,” West said.

Hunter holds a M.S. in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Student Affairs and Higher Education from Mississippi State University, and a B.A. in Journalism with a minor in English from the University of Mississippi.

Throughout her career, she has paired her academic foundation in communications with hands-on leadership in digital strategy and student engagement. She served as an Associate Video Producer for Southern Living, launched MSU’s first Social Media Influencer Program, and created strategic marketing campaigns that grew MSU’s digital presence.

Raised in Starkville, among generations of hard-working Southerners and small business owners, Hunter sees Natchez as emblematic of Mississippi’s promise.

“A great deal of Natchez reminds me of what I love about Mississippi — it’s full of promise,” she said. “I believe in dedicating homegrown talent back into the places that raise us, and in the power of communities rebuilding with the people in their own backyards.”

Her early civic leadership included serving on the Mississippi Student Advisory Board, where she helped coordinate Teens on the Move, the state’s largest youth civic conference. In 2016, Hunter was crowned Miss University of Mississippi 2017, representing Ole Miss in the Miss Mississippi pageant in Vicksburg, where she was recognized by the Miss America organization for her personal platform: Drive Smart, raising awareness for highway safety.

Professionally, she has worked across public health, education, and nonprofit sectors — developing outreach campaigns, leading community initiatives, and producing events in collaboration with institutions and companies like LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, Mississippi State University, Mississippi University for Women, and regional business coalitions.

In addition to her degree, Hunter holds a certificate in Foundations of Project Management (Google x Coursera) and brings technical fluency with tools such as Microsoft, Asana and other tools essential for organizing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.

“After the interviews, I left feeling energized and aligned,” Hunter noted. “DNA’s mission coupled with the city’s Downtown Master Plan isn’t just aspirational — it’s actionable. I could see where my experiences aligned, where my ideas could add value, and how my approach to collaboration could continue to breathe life back into downtown. That clarity and excitement made it an easy yes for me.”

Mayor Dan Gibson also praised the appointment, emphasizing her alignment with the city’s long-term goals.

“Leah brings a bold, fresh outlook that honors our history while building our future,” Gibson said. “She understands that the heart of downtown Natchez is its people — and she’s committed to helping that heart beat even stronger. I’m confident her leadership will inspire great things for our city.”

As executive director, Hunter will oversee DNA’s operations, community engagement, and programming. She will play a key role in advancing the city’s award-winning Downtown Master Plan in close partnership with city leadership, DNA’s board, and local stakeholders.

Her focus includes community-driven placemaking, sustainable economic development, support for local entrepreneurs, and creative reactivation of underutilized spaces. Key initiatives include revitalizing key anchor areas such as the Bluff/Broadway Street Entertainment area, the MLK Triangle, and Arts District, while using DNA’s retail market studies to attract essential downtown businesses and promote downtown living.

Local leaders echoed their support for DNA’s new leadership.

“The Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce congratulates Leah on her new role with DNA,” said Lyn Jenkins, president and CEO of the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to a continued partnership with DNA with the Downtown Merchants Group, and we’re excited to collaborate on future endeavors that enhance our historic downtown district.”

Hunter will also serve as the organization’s liaison to the Mississippi Main Street Association and Main Street America, which offer a nationally proven framework for comprehensive, preservation-based downtown development. Since its inception, DNA has been committed to advancing downtown revitalization through its strategic work plan based on this model.

“The Main Street framework empowers communities to take charge of their own revitalization,” Hunter said. “I look forward to advancing that mission here in Natchez.”

“Leah Gibson Hunter brings a rare combination of experience, energy, and empathy to this work,” said T.J. Baggett, vice president of the DNA Board and COO of Loss Prevention Services LLC, headquartered in downtown Natchez.

“She understands the value of building community through thoughtful collaboration and shared purpose,” Baggett said. “She is well positioned to drive real, meaningful, and measurable progress for our downtown in alignment with DNA’s strategic plan and the city’s Downtown Master Plan.”

“I’ve seen firsthand how much potential lives here — not just in the buildings or the bluff, but in the people, the stories, and the culture that make Natchez unique,” said Hunter. “This role is more than a job — it’s a chance to pour everything I’ve learned into a place I’ve chosen to call home.”

Hunter lives in Natchez with her husband, Natchez native and attorney Terrence Hunter, and their daughter. She can be reached via email at leah@natchezdna.org.