Downtown OKC selects new president and CEO from nationwide search

Downtown OKC Partnership (DOKC) has announced Jennifer Nakayama as its new president and CEO. 

Nakayama will join DOKC in February. The executive was selected from more than 50 candidates in a nationwide search led by DOKC Board Chair Tammy Powell and a committee of downtown stakeholders.  

Powell said the new hire “marks an exciting new chapter in downtown OKC,” adding that she believes the area will see great things moving forward. 

Nakayama most recently served as the president and executive director for Waikiki Business Improvement District in Hawaii, focusing on safety and operations, as well as enhancing the area’s quality of life. She will now bring her experience in business and community advocacy, placemaking and more to Oklahoma City’s downtown. 

“I am honored to be selected as the next leader of the Downtown OKC Partnership, and am thrilled to join such an inspiring organization,” Nakayama said. 

The executive said the organization will continue the work being done now, while looking to further enhance “an already amazing city” for locals and visitors. 

“I am passionate about public spaces bringing communities together in collaborative ways that truly focus on partnerships between residents, businesses and government. Downtown OKC will continue to build on Jane Jenkins’ legacy, and alongside the incredible team that is in place, we will begin the next chapter.” 

RELATED: Q&A with Downtown OKC’s Jane Jenkins 

Nakayama will succeed current DOKC President and CEO Jane Jenkins, who announced her retirement last year. Nakayama is scheduled to assume her new role on Feb. 13, as Jenkins continues her work with the organization through April. 

You can learn more about the Downtown OKC Partnership by visiting downtownokc.com.