Jason Gleason, Montclair Center BID’s executive director, has announced his resignation, effective August 1, 2024.
“I’m happy and proud to say the BID is in a very good place,” Gleason told the Local. “It’s been five years and we’ve hit major milestones and have good systems in place. It’s a good time to let go.”
“We went through COVID together and put in a lot of blood sweat and tears as a community. And look where we are today.”
“During his five-year tenure, Gleason oversaw the BID’s commitment to the organization’s objective to ensure a vibrant, clean, safe and growing business center in Montclair. His leadership over the past five years has been instrumental in navigating our downtown through periods of rapid change. The transformation of Montclair Center into the thriving district that it is today is a testament to his passion and commitment. We’re grateful for Jason’s partnership and vocal advocacy for a robust downtown,” the Board shared in an announcement Friday.
Board President Jaji Packard said “Jason has been instrumental in improving the BID’s value to all Montclair Center stakeholders. Business and property owners, residents, visitors, and the Township, have benefited from Jason’s dedicated and adept guidance; he leaves both the district and the organization strong. We give him our heartfelt thanks.”
Gleason, who is thankful for the support of the board, staff and stakeholders, is happy to pass the baton. “I will take some time off. I feel lucky to have good options in front of me as I make decisions to move forward personally and professionally.”
“It’s time to let someone else have fun,” he said, adding that he is excited to see what other creative minds bring to table.
“We are in a good place for a change of leadership. I look forward to seeing how Montclair Center continues to grow and blossom.”
The Board, in its announcement, said it would conduct a nationwide recruiting effort. Abhishake Shah, the BID’s assistant director & project manager will serve as interim executive director following Gleason’s departure.
The right leader at the right time and a great partner for the local groups and public agencies he worked with. Godspeed my friend.
I agree with Ed. And good luck with Dave Placek!
We certainly are thinking big. A “nationwide recruting effort” for a local BID? I know, I know, Montclair is the “It” suburb. But probably best to cast our net as far away as possible. Any savvy candidate need only take ten minutes to see the dysfunction this place is in. What kind of candidate will that attract? In comparable professions, such as fundraising, the candidates will promise the world, ask for the max, charm the pants off the recruitment team, and quit in twenty-four months. (That Jason Gleason lasted five years say a lot about his endurance. Or that there was no other place to go to escape, until now.)
Best of luck to the deciders. At least in this case, if it doesn’t work out — like Spiller — we won’t have the voters to blame.
Do you guys remember Israel Cronk? He was running the BID before Jason. Fantastic guy! Anyone knows what he is up to?
Running a BID in Florida, I think
The BiD director must have several skills the most important of which is maintaining a close relationship with the BID members by being visible on the street and establishing trust with the Council and Town Manager both of which Jason does well
This can NEVER be a political appointment. Some people think these non-profit jobs are easy. They are NOT. The best leaders in this town are the non-profit leaders like Anne Mernin at Tony’s Kitchen, the late Al Pelham and now Rev Dunn at MNDC, Ira Wagner at the MAM, former HOMECorp Director Beverley Rodrick, etc.