David Downey

David Downey is President and Chief Executive Officer of the International Downtown Association (IDA) which connects a diverse community of practitioners who transform cities into healthy and vibrant urban places worldwide. David is responsible for the overall strategic positioning of IDA as a world leader and champion for vital and liveable urban centres. Prior to joining IDA, David served as the Managing Director for the American Institute of Architects’ Urban Design Center and as Executive Director for the Michigan Chapter of the American Planning Association. David has been a city advocate since 1989 having received his degree in Architecture and Design with a focus on Urban Design from Lawrence Technological University. He is currently serving on the boards of the Mount Vernon Triangle BID in Washington, DC and the Responsible Hospitality Institute. David, his wife Margie and their three sons have called Northern Virginia home since 2004.