Cynthia Nalley, Downtown Development Authority board
Cynthia Nalley, broker associate with Anderson & Carr, was recently appointed to the board of directors of the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority. As a downtown resident, Nalley says she is enthusiastic about the area and calls herself a “Downtown evangelist.” In addition to her real estate background, Nalley, a senior professional in human resources, says that her skills in finance, organizational development and performance management help her to be an effective team member.
About: The West Palm Beach DDA partners with the City of West Palm Beach and the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency to promote and enhance a safe, vibrant downtown area for residents, businesses and visitors.
Why it matters: The free trolleys, security ambassadors, and beautiful streetscapes are all front-and-center DDA programs that make downtown a better place. The DDA plays a key role in the success of downtown businesses by working with business owners, residents, visitors and government to to identify and implement programs and experiences that make a trip downtown memorable and wonderful.
On the board
How I got involved: A friend invited me to a Downtown Neighborhood Association board meeting, and as a secret technology nerd, I couldn’t resist the challenge of automating the membership process and bringing the group online. Then I started planning
events, and the rest is history.
Top goal: Transportation and mobility continue to be the main focus, including the addition of the new high-speed Brightline rail, in addition to existing options: Tri-Rail, trolley lines and SkyBike bike share program.
Biggest challenge: Management of a complex mix of programs. We’re implementing a more formal objective setting process that includes metrics to measure results.
Etiquette: Communication is a delicate business. Practice listening and assert your point of view without interrupting.
On the side
Hobby: I’m a jazz vocalist and like to sit in with local bands.
Travel: To Austin, Texas, where I attended SXSW (South by Southwest film, media and music festivals) for the first time.
Reading: “The New York Nobody Knows,” by William Helmreich