After Kirkland Downtown Association (KDA) head Dick Beazell retired last month, businesses and civic boosters could at least take comfort that his assistant would remain behind to continue its work. But no longer.

Acting KDA Executive Director Julie Metteer recently announced she will be leaving the organization by the end of March. The changes at one of the city’s most visible community organizations couldn’t come at a worse time for retailers seeking to drum up more business during a recession and to residents who fear a decline in community-themed events. Many of KDAs programs include Jazz Nights, Kirkland Wednesday Market, Kirkland Classic Car Show, and more.

A job description will be posted in mid-February and the KDA board hopes to have a new director in place before she leaves.

After nearly 2 years at the KDA, Metteer is starting a new marketing venture called 7 Mile Strategies, LLC, focusing on creating and maintaining neighborhood marketing for local customer-based businesses.

“The thing I’ll miss the most is the relationships,” Metteer said. “I just loved doing all the events.”

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