Wilmington’s Downtown Visions celebrates 27 years with new leadership

You know Downtown Visions (DTV). Since the ’90s, the nonprofit’s “Clean and Safe” team of ambassadors has patrolled the streets of center city Wilmington, keeping them trash, leaf and weed-free and looking out for the safety of the community and its visitors.

In the 27 years since the first uniformed DTV ambassador disposed of that first piece of litter, a lot has changed downtown. The area, which has grown over time to include more than 70 square blocks, 700 commercial buildings and 550 street-level independent buildings, is now a residential and business area, rather than just a business hub.

As part of that ongoing evolution, DTV has selected a new executive director after a nationwide search: Michael Maggitti will replace outgoing executive director Martin Hageman, who has been with Downtown Visions since its formation in 1994. In addition, Loshawn Maxwell has been promoted to senior director of finance and administration, and Norman Pernick has been appointed to the newly created position of senior advisor. The three of them will comprise the organization’s senior leadership team.

Though the org said it searched far and wide, Maggitti has already been with the organization for 14 years, as director of operations and director of safety and most recently as deputy executive director. Prior to that, Maggitti, a University of Delaware alum, was a Wilmington police officer for 25 years.

Maxwell, an alum of Goldey-Beacom College, has been a part of DTV since its inception, having joined its founding organization, Wilmington 2000, in 1994. Maxwell’s previous positions include director of administration, office manager and office assistant. In her new position, she will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of DTV’s financial, administrative and human resource matters.

Pernick, an attorney and founding member of the Wilmington office of Cole Schotz, P.C., has been a board member of DTV since its inception in 1994 and served as its board chair from 2010 to 2019. He is also a founding member of the Main Street Wilmington program. Pernick will focus on strategic planning, personnel development and external relationships.

“Since Downtown Visions was established 27 years ago, Downtown Wilmington has undergone countless changes — the most significant being its evolution from a strictly-business district to a residential and business district,” said Adam Landis, chairman of the Board of Downtown Visions, in a statement. “Marty Hageman has proven to be a consummate pro, leading Downtown Visions by staying nimble and helping to establish Downtown Wilmington as a vibrant place to work, live and play. What sets our Business District apart from others is the active role our small businesses play in maintaining and growing this thriving community. Downtown Visions plays a key role as a partner to downtown businesses. We thank Marty for his incredible 27-year tenure as Executive Director and look forward to Mike building on Marty’s work with Loshawn and Norm rounding out his management team.”