News Release

WABASH — Downtown Wabash, Inc. board of directors and staff recently welcomed Kristen Petruniw as the organization’s Executive Director. Originally from Indianapolis, Petruniw has been living in Wabash County for twelve years and has made a significant impact during her time here. She brings a diverse professional background and immense community involvement to the nonprofit.

“With the hiring of Kristen as our new Executive Director, Downtown Wabash, Inc. is poised to make significant strides in our district, from the river to the rails, in alignment with our 2030 strategic plan” says Downtown Wabash, Inc. Board President, Neil Bever. “The board is excited to join forces with Kristen to cultivate a downtown that thrives for generations to come.”

Petruniw previously worked in the education sector as a School Counselor for Marion Community Schools. Since then, she has served diligently on numerous boards of directors, equipping her with extensive nonprofit expertise. She currently serves as the program director for the Wabash County Blessings in a Backpack program handling financial management, grant applications and fundraising projects.

As the current Vice President of the Wabash City Schools School Board, Petruniw collaborates on community initiatives and advocates for the Wabash County community’s student and staff population. Additionally, she was appointed as board chairman of the Wabash County Museum Board where she spent six years investing in Downtown Wabash through museum events, programming and community involvement efforts.

Petruniw is the wife of Josh Petruniw of Downs, Tandy, & Petruniw, P.C. in Downtown Wabash, and mother of two wonderful children who attend Wabash City Schools. Petruniw is no stranger to Wabash and is looking forward to serving the local community in this capacity. She is eager to begin forming relationships with Downtown Wabash business owners while upholding the organization’s strategic plan initiatives.

“It is an honor to have been hired as the Executive Director of Downtown Wabash, Inc.,” says Kristen Petruniw. “With an amazing team and board of directors already in place, I am excited to start working with our downtown businesses and community members to continue to grow our thriving downtown district.”

With Petruniw’s talented oversight, Downtown Wabash Inc.’s vision of a downtown district that is vibrant every day and night will continue on.

For more information about Downtown Wabash, Inc., visit DowntownWabash.org.