DURANGO, Colo. – Following an extensive search and interview process, the Durango Business Improvement District (BID) Board of Directors has named Tim Walsworth, president and CEO of United Way of Southwest Colorado, as the new executive director of the BID. Walsworth assumes his new position on Jan. 2, 2013.

“In selecting a new executive director, we wanted someone who not only knows the community well, but also someone who is hard-working, out-going, friendly and down-to-earth,” said Bob Allen, BID presiding officer. “We think Tim fits the bill and we’re looking forward to the relationships we know he will build with our constituents.”

As executive director, Walsworth will report to the five-member BID Board of Directors and be responsible for overall leadership and administration of the BID, helping to sustain the economic viability of the District, which includes Downtown as well as businesses along Main Avenue north to the Iron Horse Inn.

“I am very excited for the new opportunities the BID executive director position brings,” said Walsworth. “It is important to me in my work that I am able to make a difference and help our community. BID represents the leading businesses in our town and I am thrilled to get to work with them, promote them and advocate for them.”

Walsworth has served with United Way of Southwest Colorado since January 2003. Over the past ten years he has built the organization, enhancing fundraising efforts and generating more than $6.1 million in funding for local needs.

A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Walsworth launched his career with United Way (Capitol Area) in Austin in 1996. Within three years, he rose to the position of senior staff for the organization’s Community Investment Department, responsible for investing the resources United Way generated annually to help improve the overall health of the community.

In 1999, Walsworth moved to Colorado Springs to work for the Pikes Peak United Way.  First serving as a consultant, he took a permanent position as a lead fundraiser, overseeing the fundraising activities for nearly 300 accounts in Colorado Springs. He also supervised “loaned employees” (employees of other businesses “loaned” to United Way to augment campaign staff as part of the annual campaign) and other support staff. He was appointed director of marketing and communications at Pikes Peak after 18 months.

In 2003 Walsworth accepted the position of president and CEO for United Way of Southwest Colorado, based in Durango.

“I will always be thankful to the United Way board for taking a chance on me back in 2003,” said Walsworth, noting that the search for his replacement is underway. “While I’m sad to leave this great organization, I am leaving it in a better position than when I arrived.”

At BID, Walsworth assumes the position previously held by Bob Kunkel, who played a dual role as both the BID executive director and the manager of downtown business development for the City of Durango. Kunkel stepped down from the BID in September 2012.

For further information about the Durango Business Improvement District, visit www.downtowndurango.org.

The Durango Business Improvement District was formed in 1997 with a goal and mission to support businesses within the District by assisting with special event marketing, providing research on topics of concern to the District (facilities, special events, best practices), planning and development of new facilities, and providing capital budget for equipment that enhances business in the District. Funding is generated by a 2 mill levy on property owners within the district, with additional marketing dollars contributed by the City of Durango and Durango Area Tourism Office.

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