PIKE PLACE MARKET PDA
New Executive Director Named to Lead Pike Place Market
August 26, 2010
Seattle, WA – Today, Ben Franz-Knight was appointed as the Executive Director of the Pike Place Market Preservation & Development Authority (PDA).
Currently, Mr. Franz-Knight serves as Executive Director of the Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation in Santa Monica, California, a position he has held since 2003.
The Santa Monica Pier is an historic landmark owned by the City of Santa Monica and is a major attraction in the Los Angeles area. The Pier is home to many small businesses and is also a venue for local performers and public events. During his tenure there, Mr. Franz-Knight played an integral role in the planning and execution of a four-phase multi-million-dollar rehabilitation project to upgrade the Pier substructure, decking, and utilities.
“I am truly excited to assume the role of Executive Director of Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority. I am honored and humbled by the opportunity, and look forward to working with every stakeholder to preserve the wonder and magic that is Pike Place Market,” said Franz-Knight.
Mr. Franz-Knight grew up in Pullman and is a 1996 graduate of the University of Washington. It is expected that he will assume the Director’s position at Pike Place Market sometime in the early fall.
“Ben brings a unique combination of experience to a unique place: He brings real experience and a track record of success in addressing matters regarding historical and cultural preservation, property management, marketing and promotion, and capital renovation projects. More than that, he succeeded in managing and enhancing a place of cultural importance that is both a marketplace and a community,” noted James Savitt, who serves as Chair of the Pike Place Market Preservation & Development Authority Council.
The search for a new Executive Director at Pike Place Market began earlier this year when Carol Binder announced that she would retire after five years in the role.
“Carol Binder leaves the house in great order,” commented Seattle City Councilmember Sally Clark. “The Market always moves forward, and this transition is an exciting new chapter at the Market, one that is full of new opportunities,” she concluded.
The Pike Place Market Preservation & Development Authority (PDA) is a not-for-profit, public corporation chartered by the City of Seattle in 1973 to manage the properties in the nine-acre Market Historic District. The PDA is required to preserve, rehabilitate and protect the Market's buildings; increase opportunities for farm and food retailing in the Market; incubate and support small and marginal businesses; and provide services for low-income people.
PDA activities are governed by an all-volunteer, 12-member PDA Council. Council members serve as volunteers and are not compensated. Of the 12 members, four are appointed by the Mayor, four are elected by the Constituency, and four are appointed by the PDA Council. All Council members must be confirmed by the Seattle City Council and typically serve a four year term.
The PDA Council is the policy-making and oversight body that sets the direction for the activities of the PDA. The PDA Executive Director carries out the policies of the Council and directs the staff of the PDA. The Executive Director is appointed by and reports to the PDA Council. The PDA Council's policy-making and administrative oversight role is governed by the PDA Charter, PDA Rules and Regulations, the Historical Commission Ordinance, the Agreement with the City of Seattle for operation of the Daystalls, and City ordinances and state laws pertaining to the powers, responsibilities, and requirements of Public Development Authorities. The fundamental public purpose of the PDA is reflected in the PDA Charter.
In carrying out its policy-making and oversight roles, the Council is organized into five standing committees and ad hoc committees from time to time are created. Current Committees and their chief roles are as follows:
Executive Committee: Comprised of the officers of the PDA Council, this Committee's chief function is organizational and administrative oversight.
Finance Committee: This Committee has the responsibility for the financial management of the PDA and the capital program, which includes current and long-term maintenance and facilities oversight. It reviews the monthly financial statements; oversees the annual audit and serves as audit committee; recommends the annual operation and capital budgets; and oversees all contractual relations of the PDA involving funds in the excess of $10,000 or contract lasting over one year. This committee also oversees real estate development, rehabilitation, and acquisition, as the inclusion of finance is critical to any capital or development planning and decisions.
Operations and Communications Committee: This Committee oversees and monitors the business units of the PDA. These include commercial and residential property management and operation of a farmer and crafts market. The operation of these units naturally encompasses the marketing of these businesses and the tenant communications resulting from these relationships. Additionally, it reviews all commercial leases, establishes rules for operations of the Daystalls, and adopts and oversees an annual marketing plan.
Strategic Planning Committee: This Committee sets the long-term agenda for the Market, develops and oversees a strategic plan on an ongoing basis, defines policy direction, and coordinates the development of annual work plans to guide the work of each committee. The Strategic Planning Committee will ensure that the PDA carries out its Charter purposes as it develops the PDA's long-term and strategic agenda.
Capital Renovation Committee: This ad hoc Committee was formed in 2006 to begin looking at the needs of the public market's aging buildings and systems. The Committee is comprised of members of the PDA Council as well as non-voting members appointed by the Seattle City Council and the Seattle City Finance Department. The responsibility of the Committee is to work with PDA staff to set policy and goals concerning the renovation work. Additionally, this committee will oversee the renovation efforts of the PDA staff and consultants and establish priorities for the renovation, as well as assist in monitoring project budgeting, timelines and progress of work. The Committee has helped steer the ongoing renovation project here at Pike Place Market. Phase I will be complete in mid-June of 2010.