Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. announced Thursday the appointment of Debbie Lee as its new chief executive officer, bringing back a familiar face to lead the nonprofit organization at a critical juncture for the city's central district.
Lee will assume the role Jan. 26 with a starting base salary of $318,000, returning to an organization where she previously served in senior leadership for nearly eight years.
Most recently, Lee worked as senior managing director at Actum LLC, advising public, private and nonprofit organizations on public affairs, strategic communications, crisis communications and community engagement. Before that, she spent nearly eight years as Santa Monica's chief communications officer, a position she left in 2022.
"The Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Debbie Lee as CEO of Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. Debbie's extensive experience in public affairs, community engagement and strategic planning, paired with her long-standing connection to Santa Monica, make her exceptionally qualified to lead the organization forward," said Michele Aaronson, DTSM board chair. "She brings both vision and pragmatism. She understands the complexities of our Downtown and the opportunities ahead, and we look forward to working with Debbie as she strengthens partnerships and works to enhance the Downtown experience in alignment with the needs and objectives of our community."
Lee first joined Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. around 2006-07 after working at the Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau. She rose to vice president by 2011, spearheading a major rebranding that transformed the old Bayside District Corporation into Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. As marketing director and later vice president, she oversaw marketing campaigns, special events and community outreach programs while liaising with City Hall on planning initiatives and public improvements.
In 2014, Santa Monica officials tapped Lee to serve as the city's first communications and public affairs officer, a newly created position in the city manager's office. She quickly modernized and expanded the city's communications efforts, establishing Santa Monica's first comprehensive communications program. Under her leadership, what had been a small staff grew into an office of communications with a dedicated team that at its peak numbered nine employees by 2016.
Lee oversaw development of a new city website and integrated strategic communications into major policy initiatives, including campaigns on homelessness, mobility and lifelong learning. Her communications office played a role in disseminating information about a 2017 agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration that set Santa Monica on a path to close its municipal airport.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lee led public messaging on health orders, closures and assistance programs. She helped launch the "We Are Santa Monica" initiative, which established a relief fund and advisory board that raised over $1.3 million to support vulnerable residents and small businesses affected by the crisis.
After nearly eight years as the city's communications chief, Lee announced her departure in early 2022, leaving March 4 of that year.
"Our Downtown is entering a formative period that offers real opportunity to renew a district that reflects the creativity, resilience and spirit of Santa Monica," Lee said. "There is meaningful work already underway, supported by dedicated teams within the public and private sectors. I am grateful to return to DTSM as CEO with that foundation in place."
"I look forward to working alongside the DTSM Board and partners across the city to support a Downtown that serves residents, supports local businesses and welcomes visitors from across the region," Lee said. "This district has always held a special place in the imagination of California and a special place in my heart."
As CEO, Lee will advance the organization's mission to support a clean, safe, welcoming and economically vibrant downtown. Her portfolio will include oversight of programs supporting place-making, economic development, ambassador services, marketing and stakeholder collaboration.
Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that partners with the city to provide services, programs and strategic leadership for the downtown district. Its work supports economic development, place-making and a vibrant and inclusive community.