The San Jose Downtown Association is getting a new CEO, bringing with him experience and a fresh perspective.
Brian Kurtz, a nationally recognized leader in downtown management and urban revitalization, has been selected as chief executive officer of the San Jose Downtown Association (SJDA). He starts in January and will carry out the nonprofit’s mission to advocate for marketing, public art and clean and safe initiatives in the downtown core, on behalf of its more than 2,000 members. Kurtz takes the reins from Interim CEO Alan “Gumby” Marques, who has led the organization since the departure of its last CEO, Alex Stettinski, earlier this year.
Brian Kurtz has been selected as CEO of the San Jose Downtown Association, effective in January. Photo courtesy of the San Jose Downtown Association.
Kurtz said he’s excited to learn more about the city and community. He said the first part of his job is to understand where things stand and how the community is progressing, while the downtown association prepares for San Jose’s 2026 events.
“I’ve been working in downtown and place management for more than 15 years,” he told San José Spotlight. “With that comes a passion for public spaces, public places and the intersection of people and place and the natural organic collisions that occur on a daily basis, in a positive way, within an urban environment.”
As founding president and CEO of the Downtown Tulsa Partnership in Oklahoma, Kurtz worked to secure a contract with the city to expand economic development and advance public-private infrastructure partnerships, according to an SJDA news release. He holds a master’s degree in urban planning from the University at Buffalo. He is professionally certified in place management by the International Downtown Association and serves on its board of directors.
Prior to his roles in Tulsa, he was director of economic development for the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. He also served in planning and economic development in Buffalo, New York.
SJDA Board Chair Emily Ruvalcaba looks forward to having Kurtz lead the organization.
“Brian brings a depth of professional expertise and a proven record of building strong coalitions in support of vibrant downtowns,” she said in a statement. “As San Jose prepares for major events in 2026 and lays the groundwork for long-term economic recovery, his experience will be invaluable.”
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan told San José Spotlight strong planning and leadership is needed in downtown. He is ready to work with Kurtz and the board to make downtown San Jose a safe, clean place where people from all over the region want to visit.
“Brian is taking the helm of our downtown association just in time to put the final touches on planning for 2026 and most importantly — help execute it,” Mahan said.
Kurtz will lead the San Jose Downtown Association as the city prepares for major sports events next year, including Super Bowl 60 at Levi’s Stadium in neighboring Santa Clara, as well as FIFA World Cup matches. The city is preparing to host thousands of visitors, with SJDA focused on improving entertainment around the downtown core.
In August, city officials and SJDA unveiled a $795,000 beautification project including murals, repainted building facades and added colorful lighting along Santa Clara Street between Market and Fourth streets. The downtown association and the city together contributed $250,000. Adobe, Urban Catalyst, the Knight Foundation, PG&E, VTA, Jay Paul Company and the Downtown San Jose Improvement District also contributed funding.
Stettinski, the former SJDA CEO, said economic uncertainty has brought local businesses an added layer of stress, especially with on-again, off-again tariffs. But he said San Jose will weather the storm with its powerful, determined and passionate leadership.
He urges Kurtz to engage with stakeholders to understand San Jose’s diverse cultural and historic perspectives.
“That depth of understanding will help him build the relationships that he needs to develop trust,” Stettinski told San José Spotlight. “It becomes authentic and productive in his work.”
Contact Lorraine Gabbert at [email protected].