Main Street DeFuniak Springs Announces New Executive Director
DeFuniak Springs, Florida • July 9, 2020 — Main Street DeFuniak Springs announced Chelsea Blaich (Bl-ake) as its new Executive Director this week. The board of director’s voted unanimously for Blaich at their meeting held Wednesday, July 1.
Along with over eight years of experience in public relations, marketing and events, Blaich was voted the 2017 Member of the Year for the Florida Public Relations Association Northwest Florida Coast Chapter, and 2018 Young Professional of the Year by the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce. Blaich served as the 2019-2020 Young Professionals of Walton County (YPWC) President and continues to sit on the YPWC Board of Directors.
Born and raised in Panama City, Florida, Blaich is no stranger to the area, having moved to Walton County in 2012.
“I was introduced to DeFuniak over a decade ago by my husband, Chase,” Blaich said. “The community immediately embraced me and made me feel welcome. I’m eager for the opportunity to help develop a downtown experience that will embrace its locals and visitors in the same way.”
As Executive Director, Blaich is responsible for the development, execution, implementation and documentation of activities and initiatives of Main Street DeFuniak Springs Downtown District (the District), a 501c 3 non-profit organization. The district is part of Florida Main Street, a Main Street America accredited program.
“We are extremely proud to introduce Chelsea Blaich as the new director of Main Street,” said Main Street DeFuniak Chairman, Mac Work. “As a lifelong area resident with family roots deeply embedded in DeFuniak Springs, she not only has a vested interest in the success of our city but can also provide the visionary leadership our beautiful city needs. With a background in marketing and public relations, she is the perfect fit for DeFuniak Springs. We are excited about the opportunities Chelsea’s leadership will afford us as we continue our journey to make DeFuniak Springs the best small town in Florida.”
Currently Main Street DeFuniak Springs coordinates the weekly Saturday Farmer’s Market on Baldwin Avenue downtown. Due to the heat in the summer, the hours of the market were recently updated to 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. July – September. Stroll the street while browsing food vendors, crafts & gift items, and of course local farm stands.
For more information on Main Street DeFuniak Springs including events, merchants and development news, please follow @MainStreetDFS on Facebook and Instagram. To contact Main Street DeFuniak Springs, please email Info@mainstreetdfs.org.
