Downtown Topeka, Inc. Selects Rhett Flood as Next President
Downtown Topeka, Inc. (DTI) has selected Rhett Flood as its next President following a comprehensive search process conducted by the organization's Board of Directors. Flood will assume the role later this fall and will lead efforts focused on downtown business growth, stakeholder engagement, placemaking, investment attraction, and the continued advancement of Downtown Topeka as the economic, cultural, and civic heart of the community.
Flood currently serves as Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Greater Topeka Partnership, where he leads strategic marketing, communications, branding, public relations, and community engagement efforts supporting Downtown Topeka, GO Topeka, Visit Topeka, the Greater Topeka Chamber, and the Greater Topeka Partnership.
Over the past decade, Flood has built a diverse portfolio of experience across economic development, tourism, workforce development, community engagement, advocacy, and organizational leadership. Prior to his current role, he served as Executive Director of Forge Young Talent, helping grow the organization's membership, sponsorships, programming, and community impact.
"Downtown Topeka has built tremendous momentum over the last decade, and our board approached this search with a clear focus on what it will take to build on that progress over the next ten years," said Clint Patty, Chair-Elect of Downtown Topeka, Inc. and Managing Partner of Clayton Wealth Partners. "After a thoughtful and deliberate process, Rhett stood out for his vision, work ethic and, most importantly, his hustle. He has the drive to pursue opportunities, engage our downtown stakeholders and turn big ideas into action. We're confident Rhett is the right leader for where Downtown Topeka is headed next."
"Rhett brings a unique combination of strategic thinking, relationship-building, and community leadership experience. Throughout the search process, he demonstrated a clear vision for Downtown Topeka's future and a strong understanding of the partnerships required to help move that vision forward," said Abby Lear, Chair of the Downtown Topeka, Inc. Board of Directors and Executive Director of Operations for K-State Innovation Partners. "His passion for this community, coupled with his ability to align stakeholders around shared priorities, makes him the right leader for Downtown Topeka's next chapter."
Flood's selection comes at an important moment for Downtown Topeka as new housing developments, continued private investment, innovation initiatives, and community activation efforts continue to build momentum across the district. His experience working across economic development, tourism, advocacy, workforce development, marketing, and community engagement provides a unique perspective on downtown's role within the broader growth and success of Topeka and Shawnee County.
"Rhett has consistently demonstrated an ability to bring people together, build momentum, and advance initiatives that strengthen our community," said Molly Howey, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Topeka Partnership. "Whether through economic development, tourism, workforce development, advocacy, or communications, he has been a collaborative leader who cares deeply about Topeka's future. Downtown Topeka will benefit greatly from his leadership, energy, and commitment to creating opportunities for businesses, residents, and visitors alike."
Stakeholders who have worked alongside Flood say his ability to connect organizations, build partnerships, and move initiatives forward will be valuable as Downtown Topeka continues to evolve.
"Downtown Topeka's success depends on bringing together business owners, property owners, residents, investors, and community partners around a common vision," said Billy Skrobacz Jr., Executive Vice President and Chief Retail Operations Officer at Capitol Federal and a member of the Downtown Topeka, Inc. Board of Directors. "Rhett understands how to build those relationships and create alignment across diverse stakeholders. He has the energy, perspective, and determination needed to help continue moving downtown forward."
Community leaders across Topeka also expressed confidence in Flood's ability to help guide Downtown Topeka through its next phase of growth.
"Downtown Topeka has experienced remarkable progress over the last decade, and the opportunities ahead are exciting," said Cody Foster, Co-Founder of Advisors Excel. "Rhett understands the importance of connecting vision with action. He is passionate about this community, focused on outcomes, and committed to building on the momentum that already exists. I believe he will be an exceptional leader for Downtown Topeka."
Flood said he is honored by the opportunity to serve the organization and community.
"I am incredibly grateful to the Board of Directors for their confidence and support," said Flood. "Downtown Topeka has experienced remarkable progress over the last decade, and I believe we are entering an exciting new chapter of growth and opportunity. My focus will be on building strong relationships, creating alignment around a shared vision, and continuing to build momentum for our businesses, residents, investors, and visitors. Downtown is the economic, cultural, and civic heart of our community, and I look forward to working alongside stakeholders to help continue its transition from revitalization to growth."
