Downtown Arlington President Maggie Campbell Steps Down After 12 Years; Vice President Garret Martin to Step Into Role in October

The Board of Directors of the Downtown Arlington Management Corporation (DAMC) announced today that Maggie Campbell, longtime champion of Downtown Arlington’s economic and cultural revitalization, will step down later this year from her role as President and CEO, effective September 30, 2026.  

The Board of Directors adopted a formal succession plan, which names DAMC Vice President Garret Martin as the organization’s next President and CEO, the fourth in the non-profit organization’s history.

“We are deeply grateful for Maggie’s leadership and the lasting impact she has had during her 12 years of management. We’re excited that she will continue to be part of Downtown Arlington’s future as a consultant. At the same time, we have full confidence in Garret and look forward to this next chapter for the organization,” said Doug Hafer, Board Chair for Downtown Arlington. 

“Maggie has worked diligently with City leaders, given voice to downtown stakeholders and worked collaboratively to imagine, create, and execute the transformation of Downtown Arlington,” said Trey Yelverton, long-time City Manager for the City of Arlington. “Her fingerprints are all over – Levitt Pavilion, College Park District, the renovated Arlington Music Hall, the Abram Street complete street, City Center, Doggie Depot, and much more. Most importantly, Maggie has prepared DAMC with a succession plan, a reauthorized Public Improvement District, and more projects in the pipeline. I am proud when folks haven’t been here in a while and are amazed at ourdowntown transformation. Our community, with Maggie’s leadership and guidance, has created that pride,” he said. 

Ms. Campbell has led the organization for 12 years of the organization’s 20-year existence. First, she served four years as the founding President, when the organization was established in 2006. During the start-up years, Campbell built a strong foundation, serving as a catalyst for initiatives that shaped today’s modern, active, and connected downtown. She returned to Arlington in 2019 following a national search and has continued to guide Downtown’s growth through a period of renewed investment and robust momentum.  

Major accomplishments and legacy contributions during her tenure include:  

• Crafted the vision and helped lead the volunteer capital campaign that brought the Levitt Pavilion to Arlington, helping create a nationally recognized and award-winning music venue that hosts 50 free concerts a year, and more, for the community’s benefit.

• Led early business recruitment efforts to help establish Downtown Arlington’s restaurant scene, including bringing Babe’s Chicken Dinner House, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, and Mellow Mushroom.   

• Played a major role in the redevelopment of the historic Arlington Music Hall.  

• Expanded Downtown Arlington’s public art program, supporting the new murals, sculpturesand cultural projects, as well as artistic elements incorporated into spaces like the Rotary DREAM Park.  

• Launched and grew the Downtown Arlington community and its brand and identity through marketing, communications, and signature downtown programming that draws visitors from across the region. These programs support the downtown business community, including the Downtown Arlington Classic Car Show, the Downtown Arlington Annual Meeting, and First Thursdays.  

• Established the Arlington Ambassador Clean and Safe program, creating a dedicated team responsible for maintaining a welcoming, safe, and vibrant downtown environment.  

• Strengthened partnerships with the City of Arlington, the University of Texas at Arlington, cultural institutions, and local businesses to advance and strengthen the Downtown Arlington Cultural District.  

• Stabilized funding for Downtown Arlington over the next 10 years through the renewal of the Downtown Public Improvement District, gaining strong property owner support and securing a 10-year funding commitment.  

“My journey with Downtown Arlington has been about dreaming that Arlington could have a real downtown,” Ms. Campbell said. “It has become everything I imagined – and more. I’m grateful to Arlington’s leadership, my awesome staff, our Board and stakeholders, and the community for their support and for believing with me through the years. I’m excited to see what’s next, under Garret’s leadership.”    

Prior to her current role, Campbell worked for MIG, Inc., a national planning and landscape architecture firm based in California. Her career includes leadership roles for numerous downtown organizations such as Dallas’ West End District, Downtown St. Louis, and the award-winning Old Pasadena District in California.  

Ms. Campbell will remain involved with Downtown Arlington after September 30th as a Strategic Advisor through her new consulting practice, Main & Catalyst.  While she is stepping back from day-to-day management, Ms. Campbell will continue to provide expertise and guidance on key downtown priorities, as well as on-going mentoring for Mr. Martin in his new role as President and CEO.   

“Downtown Arlington has always been built through partnership,” said Martin, “and I look forward to carrying on that legacy. Maggie has been a true visionary for this organization. I’ve had the privilege of learning from her and working alongside our incredible board, staff, and community leaders who believe in the future of Downtown Arlington. I’m honored by the Board’s confidence and excited to continue building a downtown that reflects the creativity, ambition, and pride of Arlington,” Martin said. 

Mr. Martin began his career with DAMC as a college intern and has since held several positions within the organization, each time assuming additional responsibilities in placemaking, partnerships, economic development, financial planning, and strategic planning. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington with a degree in Marketing and Management, with strong experience in digital communications, event management and community engagement. He wasnamed Vice President in 2024.  

Martin has played a key role in initiatives including First Thursdays, the annual UTA internship program, and the Downtown Arlington Farmers Market. Martin also championed investments in public spaces, including the fundraising and construction of the Downtown Arlington Doggie Depot, downtown’s only off-leash dog park. Through his commitment to collaboration, Martin continues to play a lead role in partnerships with local businesses, cultural organizations, the University of Texas at Arlington, City of Arlington, the Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce.   

The Board-adopted succession Plan includes DAMC expanding its existing team by creating a new position, a Director of Downtown Operations, to meet growing management needs and strengthen the organization’s capacity to maintain vibrant programming and advance strategic initiatives.   

About the Downtown Arlington Management Corporation   

The Downtown Arlington Management Corporation (DAMC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity, under contract with the City of Arlington to manage downtown special services including maintenance, beautification, marketing, economic development, and advocacy. The organization is largely funded through Public Improvement District (PID) #1, providing funding support from private property owners, through a supplemental property tax assessment. These PID-funded services benefit the owners and their tenants, providing for a vibrant and engaged downtown neighborhood. Downtown Arlington was designated in 2016 as the Arlington Cultural Arts District. DAMC serves as the primary convener and keeper of the downtown vision and is governed by a 16-member Board of Directors.