INDIANAPOLIS--The chief deputy mayor for Indianapolis has been named president and CEO of Downtown Indy, Inc. That’s the private, non-profit organization that is focused on downtown Indianapolis’s “economic growth, livability and viability. Taylor Shaffer has been in the Joe Hogsett administration since 2016.
Shaffer has a background in communications and marketing, having been employed by several ad agencies before moving into her roles in the mayor’s office.
She was communications director, then chief of staff, and finally chief deputy mayor.
Her soon-to-be-former boss believes she’s the right person for the job.
“Taylor Schaffer has been a key leader in making…comprehensive progress possible (in downtown Indy), and I am confident that her experience, relationships, and enthusiasm for our community will only help propel Downtown Indy, Inc. into the future,” said Mayor Hogsett.
Hogsett said he believes downtown is in a “strong position” in the “post-pandemic” era.
“Taylor is an incredible collaborator and leader, and we are thrilled to welcome her as our next president,” said DII Executive Vice President Bob Schultz, who has led the organization as interim president since Sherry Siewert resigned in April. “I look forward to working alongside her as we redouble our efforts to accelerate Downtown’s transformation and engage with our stakeholders. I’ve personally known Taylor for years and I am confident she will propel us and advocate for our Downtown with passionate energy, a competitive spirit and a sense of urgency.”
Downtown has faced the challenge of bringing business back to vacant offices since riots in 2020, and the surge of remote work during the coronavirus pandemic. Studies have shown that most of the previously-filled office space is filled again.
Shaffer begins work in her new post Oct. 3.
