The Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA) announced today the promotion of a current member, and the hiring of two new members, including former Long Beach Post Executive Editor Brian Addison.
Former DLBA Residential Coordinator Steve Be Cotte has been promoted to Community Outreach Manager for the DLBA. He will replace DLBA Operations Manager Mary Coburn, who recently retired. The Community Outreach Manager position replaced the DLBA Operations Manager, and will oversee the relationship between the DLBA and its stakeholders.
Tony Kaforski, who worked previously as the Downtown Guide Program Supervisor, will now serve as the DLBA’s Clean and Safe Manager, where he will supervise the $1.5M department that directs the teams who collect more than 25,000 pounds of trash, remove graffiti, and steam-clean over 3 million sq. ft. of sidewalk each month. He will also oversee the Downtown Safety Team program.
Addison, who served as Managing and then Executive Editor of the Post for over two years, will serve as the DLBA’s new Communications Manager, replacing Julie Korinke. Through traditional and social media outlets, Addison will be charged with showcase Downtown Long Beach’s growth.
“My excitement for this position goes beyond words because very few things supersede my passion for creating a better Downtown,” Addison said. “I am part of that old-school belief that downtowns act as the cultural, economic, and social hub of cities—and Long Beach’s Downtown is no exception. The DLBA has truly upped its game in harnessing those powers over the past few years and I feel both honored and privilege to help them up it even more.”
Kraig Kojian, DLBA President and CEO, said he was proud of his new team and the skills they will bring to the DLBA.
“Downtown isn’t just approaching a renaissance—it’s in the midst of one, and the DLBA is welcoming those changes by way of adjusting its staff with new people and great visions of making Downtown more livable and more dynamic,” he said. “Downtown’s future is beyond bright and these staffing announcements for our organization represents the aura of change, progress and growth that makes Downtown Long Beach unlike any other part of the city.”