About the BID

Georgette Steffens was appointed Executive Director in September 2009. Prior to joining the BID, Georgette was the Director of Operations of Triad Consulting Group, Inc. of Cambridge Massachusetts, a consulting group which specializes in communications and negotiation to assist organizations in building capacity to manage difficult conversations and critical relationships within their work environment.   Ms. Steffens worked for the City of Albany, serving as Director of the Albany HomeStore.  Additionally, she held positions as Economic Developer for the City of Albany in the Department of Planning and Development, where her main focus was downtown development and the City's riverfront, and Program Coordinator for the Center for Economic Growth.

Ms. Steffens serves as the Chairperson of the Albany Port District Commission and is a Board Member of the New York State Urban Council.  She holds a BA from Johnson State College in Vermont.

Don joined the BID in January 2010. As operations manager, Don is responsible for the development, administration, and implementation of programs that enhance the quality of life in downtown Albany. One of Don’s largest, permanent projects to date has been the completion of the new Olde English Downtown Dog Park. Don acts as a liaison for the Albany Police and other City Departments to ensure code compliance and safety within the District. In addition to overseeing the day-to-day operations of the contracted Clean Team Ambassadors, the group who helps keep sidewalks clear of litter, snow and ice, he also works closely with the Department of General Services in order to continually improve visual appeal and infrastructure throughout the District while responding to the needs of Stakeholders.

In his previous position, Don was the General Manager at The Mailworks, a direct mail solutions company based in Albany, NY. During his tenure at The Mailworks, Don honed his skills in managing profitable operations, which was highlighted by an effective combination of customer service and sales training with new market development, operations, and business analysis. Prior to The Mailworks, Don served as General Manager for Empire Brewing Company in Syracuse, NY before relocating to the Capital Region. His demonstrable skill of working and negotiating with businesses and consumers alike allows Don to have an immediate impact at the BID. Don holds a BS in Criminal Justice from the State University College at Brockport.

Jevan joined the BID in August 2022. As Special Events Manager, Jevan is responsible for the fundraising, implementation, and management of the BID’s signature events. He is also tasked with designing new event concepts and projects that improve the quality of life in Downtown while showcasing the District’s attributes. Jevan’s foremost objective is to highlight downtown Albany as a destination, by creating exciting, memorable experiences for all to enjoy. Jevan works collaboratively with many local government offices, arts and tourism organizations, cultural venues, and businesses to achieve the most successful outcome for all events in Downtown. Jevan holds a B.A. in Communications from the University at Albany, SUNY.

His previous experience includes five years working with Albany’s Lark Street BID, where he served as Co-Executive Director, and was responsible for the planning and execution of signature events such as LarkFest and Art On Lark, and the introduction of successful events including the Chili Chowder Stroll and Lark Street Restaurant Week.

During his free time, you’ll find Jevan attending a concert, cooking, cycling, or enjoying a delicious coffee pour-over.

Caroline joined the BID team in May 2024 with over 10 years of experience in marketing and communications. As the BID's Marketing and Communications Manager, Caroline helps shine a bright light on the 200+ businesses and 140+ monthly events that make up the downtown Albany business and social scene. Her primary responsibility is to craft thoughtful and compelling marketing and communication plans that highlight what makes downtown Albany a special place for business owners, residents, visitors, and commuters. A transplant from downstate New York, Caroline has lived in the Capital Region for over a decade and is excited to play a part in Albany's continued growth and success. 

Prior to the BID, Caroline worked as a senior account executive at an advertising agency that focused exclusively on higher education, building relationships with clients, and helping spearhead major rebranding projects and multimedia campaigns. She holds a B.A. in Communications from The College of Saint Rose and an MSL from Arizona State University.  

During her free time, Caroline likes to run long distances, play in her garden, host trivia nights with her partner, or curl up with a good book and two cats (if they'll allow it).