The I-195 Redevelopment District Commission announced today that Jan Brodie will head the commission as its new Executive Director. Brodie has over 25 years of development experience, deep knowledge of the Rhode Island market and a track record of success. She will begin her new position on May 20, 2013.
The Commission board voted unanimously in early April to offer Brodie the job. During the six-month, extensive process, the board reviewed over 200 candidates.
"The goal of the Commission is to build a world class infrastructure that capitalizes on the assets of the city and the state to create jobs for our residents," said Commission Chairman Colin Kane. "Jan Brodie was the best choice for the position, based on her background and her ability to envision how best to maximize the positive economic impacts of this land for Rhode Island."
"I am thrilled to be part of this once-in-a-generation opportunity to use this land to enhance this wonderful city and state," said Brodie. "I look forward to working with everyone involved to continue the great work already done and realize the full potential of these key sites over the upcoming years."
Since 2008, Brodie has served as the Northeast Regional Director of The Community Builders, a real-estate development organization in Boston, Massachusetts. Previously, she was the Vice President of the Armory Revival Company in Providence.
Brodie received her MBA from The Wharton School, her masters in architecture from the University of Pennsylvania GSFA and her bachelors of arts degree from Williams College.
Recently, the Commission, along with Governor Lincoln Chafee, the congressional delegation, local assembly members, private city officials and private sector leaders broke ground on infrastructure work beginning on the former I-195 land. Initial roadwork, utility work and development of open space areas on the western end of the parcel has already begun.
"The ground breaking marked a significant step forward in the Commission's efforts to realize the highest and best use of the I-195 land parcels," added Kane. "Jan Brodie's long-standing ties to Rhode Island and knowledge of the local landscape will allow us to continue moving forward and recognize the full potential of this valuable land."
The I-195 Redevelopment District Commission was created in late 2011 to serve as the responsible authority for the sale, marketing and oversight of the 21 acres made available in downtown Providence as a result of the relocation of Interstate 195. The property offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to knit together the parts of the city formerly divided by highway and to create a dynamic center in the heart of the Knowledge District to work, live and recreate.