By Kris Leonhardt

Editor

MARSHFIELD — Kaelie Gomez is the new executive director of Main Street Marshfield. While she is new to the position, she is a familiar face to the organization.

“I volunteered alongside Angie Eloranta, Erin Howard, Danielle Krohn, and other dreamer/doers for a year-and-a-half before Angie announced she was pursuing a new opportunity. Her position was a perfect fit, so I excitedly applied,” said Gomez.

Gomez graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth with a bachelor’s degree in communication and minor in information design.

“I have a work background in corporate operations, nonprofit marketing and events, and hospitality,” Gomez added.

“After we moved to Marshfield, I began looking for ways to connect with and impact our community. I wanted to fall fast in love with Marshfield and discover what made our new hometown beautiful. Main Street Marshfield presented itself after researching volunteering opportunities, and I knew it was the right organization immediately: historical preservation, small business development, events, a celebration of old downtown. This was (my) connection to my city with a twist of charm that made volunteering rewarding,” Gomez said.

Gomez said she believes a bright future is in store for Marshfied’s downtown.

“What would it look like if Main Street was the first place you thought of when planning date night?” asked Gomez. “What would it take for businesses out of town to clamor for a second location in our downtown? What if our passionate, local craftsmen, artists, and culinarians set the standard for quality in central Wisconsin through their businesses on Main? I see an area on the cusp of absolute vibrancy with a lot to offer.

“I’ve lived in larger cities in Minnesota and in small-town Wisconsin, so I’m Midwest proud and recognize each city carries special personality. I look forward to soaking up the vision of the folks born and raised here and working with them as we shape Main Street together.”

Gomez began her position in September following the birth of her first child and has spent her first two weeks listening to board members and easing into Main Street committees and their existing projects.

“Life’s been busy, and we’ve been absolutely blessed,” said Gomez. “Our friends through Main Street, PreventionGenetics, and Cornerstone Community Church have become in-town family, which is so necessary as new parents. We love getting our people together for big, hearty meals and playing outdoors through the seasons. As we finish up 2017, we look forward to enjoying our first Halloween trick-or-treaters and Christmas in our historic home.”