Downtown Naperville's business owners have a new point of contact at the organization that markets and advocates for their storefronts.

Former Naperville city clerk Dawn Portner started as executive director of the Downtown Naperville Alliance on Sept. 14, replacing longtime leader Katie Wood.

One month in, she told NCTV17 that holiday planning and learning the organization's operations have consumed most of her early weeks.

Her next priority: getting face time with the people who run downtown.

"One of my first goals was to get out and meet the businesses and meet the business owners and the property owners," Portner said. "We've been so involved in getting to know the job and getting to know the holiday plans, we haven't had a lot of time to do that, so that's part of my goal for the next 30, 60 days."

Portner said she was approached in May to apply for the position. She described the role as centered on advocacy and marketing for downtown businesses, drawing on her background in event planning and customer service.

Wood stays on for transition

Wood led the Downtown Naperville Alliance beginning in 2007, according to NCTV17's September coverage of her departure. She took a brief hiatus in 2021 and returned in 2023. Wood has stayed on part-time to help Portner with the transition and assist with special projects.

During her tenure, Wood oversaw the introduction of wine walks, summer sculptures, the River Sounds series and holiday parades. The downtown district includes national brands like Apple and Sephora alongside local shops such as Anderson's Bookshop and Naper Nuts and Sweets.

Holiday season ahead

Portner's first major test comes soon. The DNA's Downtown Lights Up for the Holidays event is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 2, at 5 p.m., according to the city's 2026 special events calendar. A Holiday Open House Weekend is planned for Nov. 14-15.

The DNA's annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat is set for Sunday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to noon. Participating shops will display event posters, and free parking is available in the Van Buren and Water Street decks.

Portner's 30-to-60-day push to meet business and property owners is expected to begin after the holiday planning rush wraps up.