Meet the HDR Team

You know Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance (HDR) from the banners that line Main Street, from the iconic image of the Court Square Spring House that defines the organization's logo, and from the many programs and events that we host each year in support of downtown.

But, do you know the faces behind the organization?

Find out more about the HDR staff below and what they do to make Harrisonburg the premiere place for shopping, dining, entertainment, events and community vitality.

Eddie Bumbaugh, Executive Director

Eddie has served as the Executive Director of Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance since its formation in 2003. He received his bachelor's degree from James Madison University, and his master's degree in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Eddie's passion for downtown revitalization began at a very early age. He grew up in the harrisonburg area where his father operated a business downtown for many years. So, it's been rewarding for Eddie to experience firstand the dramatic growth that our community has achieved.

Favorite thing about downtown: the dramatic growth in the number of restaurants, shops and attractions over the last few years. Eddie also enjoys the positive comments received from community members and tourists regarding the progress that has been made with the revitalization and beautification of our downtown.

Interests: spending time with his wife, Jane; downtown dining, shopping and events; hiking the Appalachian Trail; biking; cooking; reading; and visiting his two grandkids.

Trisha Blosser, Program Manager

Trisha came to HDR in the fall of 2010 with a diverse background in fundraising, history and museum studies, and office management. She has a bachelor's degree in anthropology from James Madison University and a master's degree in history and museum studies from SUNY-Oneonta in Cooperstown, New York.

Favorite thing about downtown: it's a community gathering place. Trisha enjoys taking her children to the Explore More Discovery Museum, meeting growers at the Harrisonburg Farmers Market, and having fun with friends at downtown's many entertainment spots.

Interests: family, music and hiking

Nicole Martorana, Promotions Manager

Nicole grew up in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, and is dedicated to working for the revitalization of her hometown. She received a bachelor's degree in Media Arts & Design from James Madison University, with a minor in Writing & Rhetoric.

Nicole has worked for organizations in the arts, education, non-profit, technology and tourism sectors, including JMU, Immerge Technologies, Harrisonburg Tourism, and the Arts Council of the Valley. As the promotions manager, Nicole works with local restaurants, retailers, and organizations through promotions and events to increase awareness of all that downtown has to offer.

Favorite thing about downtown: the community, strolling through the Harrisonburg Farmers Market on a Saturday morning; Downtown Books' sidewalk books and old postcards; trivia nights and concerts; and exploring our historic buildings

Interests: traveling, photography, independent film, food culture, urban spaces, and public discourse

Kim Kirk, Special Events Manager

Kim joined the HDR team in May 2011. She is a proud JMU alum with a bachelor's degree in Media Arts & Design and a master's degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from West Virginia University.

As the special events manager, Kim coordinates a wide range of events, from community festivals and holiday celebrations to gatherings that commemorate Harrisonburg's history and heritage. Her work helps to tie the community together by bringing people downtown, increasing their neighborhood pride, and helping them grow culturally through art, history and entertainment.

Favorite thing about downtown: the small town charm that is maintained while downtown continues to grow and offer even more variety of dining, shopping, nightlife, and entertainment options. And, the community events of course!

Interests: interior design, entertaining with family and friends, social media and technology, traveling, and being "crafty"