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Main Street program hires executive director

Experience Old Town Warrenton announced Monday night that it has hired the program’s first paid executive director.

Kristina Price has a background in fundraising, special events and business development, according to a press release from the nonprofit group.

An Amissville resident, Ms. Price has worked 4-1/2 years as a freelance communications and public relations consultant, after stints with the Taproot Foundation and Boeing in communications and marketing, according to her LinkedIn profile.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kristina as an energetic and knowledgeable downtown advocate and member of our local community,” EOTW Chairman Amelia Stansell said. “I am looking forward to working closely with her to revitalize Old Town.”

Founded in January 2017, the organization succeeded the Partnership for Warrenton Foundation as the local Main Street Program affiliate. It seeks to help enhance economic vitality and preserve the historic character in Old Town.

“Warrenton is a beautiful place with a bright future,” Ms. Price said. “We’re standing at the edge of an exciting moment for Old Town. EOTW has already accomplished so much in the year since its inception.

“I’m eager to seize the opportunities around us, creating an environment for our civic and business leaders to come together to improve the economic vitality and downtown experience for our residents and visitors.”

She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and leadership at Virginia Tech in 2001 and earned a professional certificate in marketing from Georgetown University in 2007.

She has worked with mission-oriented companies and non-profits, including the Greater Washington Board of Trade.  

She volunteers at the Museum of Culpeper History and as the communications officer for Little Fork Volunteer Fire and Rescue in Jeffersonton.

Ms. Price started Monday, working 20 hours per week. EOTW leaders “are aiming to make her full-time by the end of the year,” Ms. Stansell said.

That will depend on funding. Town Manager Brannon Godfrey, who serves on the organization’s board, has recommended the Warrenton council double its contribution to ETOW in fiscal 2019, which starts July 1. That would provide $40,000, if the town council includes that amount in the budget.

“I have always loved and felt connected to Warrenton, and I’m excited to help with programs that bring the community together and also draw in visitors from all over the commonwealth,” Ms. Price said. “This town is a jewel in Fauquier County, and I’m excited to begin working with the Town, merchants, property owners and others to enhance Warrenton for residents and visitors.

“As I’ve begun the process of meeting stakeholders in Old Town Warrenton, I am filled with a sense of promise at the prospects for future success. EOTW is here to listen to the community and support them. I look forward to continue meeting the people who make Warrenton a destination town for people like me, and my family, and hearing their ideas for the future.”

A committee of six EOTW board members, conducted the hiring process, and the full board of directors selected Ms. Price in late March.

“We had some great candidates apply, but Kristina’s enthusiastic attitude and passion combined with her past experience put her on top,” Ms. Stansell said. “The hiring committee and board voted unanimously.”

Aimée O’Grady had served as the volunteer executive director since August.

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