David Hartley
Executive director
Twenty years building community partnerships and downtown revitalization.
About Us
Who we are
guides what
we do.
The Centralia Downtown Association is part of the National Main Street movement, strengthening our community through preservation-based economic development in the heart of historic downtown.
We bring people together around a shared belief: when downtown thrives, the whole community grows stronger.
A glimpse into the past
A town built around a gathering place.
Centralia—originally named Centerville—was established in 1875 by George Washington, the son of a formerly enslaved man. His vision was not simply to lay out streets, but to create a community with a public heart.
1875
A public square at the center
In 1881, Washington set aside a broad public square as the focal point of the young town. Today, George Washington Park remains a civic gathering place—home to the public library, memorials, community events, and generations of shared memories.
A downtown grows stronger when its public spaces continue to bring people together.
Our commitment to Centralia
One downtown. Four ways to connect.
Downtown is strongest when residents, merchants, visitors, and community partners can quickly find the resources, opportunities, and stories that matter to them.
01For Residents
For Residents · Community
A downtown that feels like home.
When you live downtown, you're part of something real. The CDA works to make sure your neighborhood stays vibrant, safe, and worth staying for.
Explore Resources ›02For Merchants
For Merchants · Business
Growth rooted in partnership
We understand what it takes to run a business downtown. The CDA connects you with customers, improves foot traffic, and creates an environment where commerce thrives.
Explore Merchant Resources ›03For Visitors
For Visitors · Discovery
A destination worth the drive.
Centralia's downtown has character and history. The CDA ensures visitors find something genuine, something worth remembering, something worth coming back for.
Explore Visitor Resources ›04For Community Partners
For Community Partners · Collaboration
Partnerships that move downtown forward.
Organizations, agencies, sponsors, and community leaders help turn shared priorities into visible progress. Connect with the CDA to collaborate and strengthen Downtown Centralia.
Explore Partner Resources ›What we do
The work shows in real numbers.
Downtown Centralia is changing. More people are moving in, more businesses are opening, and more visitors are discovering what makes this place worth their time. We track these shifts because they help us understand what is working—and where to focus next.
This year’s metrics to date.
Merchant retention
0%
Public investment
$0
Private investment
$0
Volunteer hours
0
Total beautification investment
$0
Executive leadership
MacKenzie McGee
Executive Director · Centralia Downtown Association
Born and raised in Centralia, MacKenzie brings a personal commitment to cultivating a vibrant and prosperous community. She is a founding member of Kiddin’ Around and serves as president of its executive board.
When she is not downtown, you are likely to find her at the soccer fields with her kids, organizing the next big idea, or cooking in the kitchen.
Leadership · Meet our board
The people driving change.
These are the voices shaping downtown Centralia’s future.
Elena Vasquez
Operations manager
Coordinates events and initiatives that keep downtown moving forward.
Thomas Wright
Merchant liaison
Connects local businesses with resources and growth opportunities.
Patricia Okonkwo
Community outreach
Listens to residents and ensures their voices shape our work.
Marcus Chen
Development coordinator
Manages beautification projects and public-space improvements.
Rebecca Torres
Communications
Tells the story of what is happening downtown and why it matters.
James Patterson
Board president
Civic leader committed to downtown’s long-term prosperity and vitality.
Susan Mitchell
Volunteer coordinator
Mobilizes community members who want to make downtown better.
Scroll for more
The full team at a glance
Partner with us
Downtown is built
by people who care.
We are always looking for people who care about Centralia. Bring your time, your ideas, your resources, or simply your willingness to help—and become part of what downtown grows into next.
