As Executive Director of the Miami Downtown Development Authority, Christina Crespi is responsible for executing the strategic direction set forth by the Miami DDA’s Board Members, liaising with Downtown Miami stakeholders and municipal partners to implement policies and initiatives that enhance the neighborhood at street-level and support economic development, and overseeing the work of the agency’s 30-person staff.

Appointed executive director in April 2020, Crespi has been with the DDA for more than six years, previously serving as deputy director. She has worked alongside the agency’s Board of Directors to transform Downtown Miami into an economic engine and an international destination for business and investment, leisure tourism, arts and culture, dining, and residential living.

Over the last few months, Crespi has led the Miami DDA’s efforts to promote public health, foster camaraderie among Downtown residents, and support local businesses amidst the coronavirus pandemic while also creating a recovery committee responsible for developing the DDA’s recovery plan. Newly launched initiatives include a Small Business Task Force designed to assist locally-operated businesses, and the Miami DDA’s “Go Local, Go Direct” campaign, which supports neighborhood restaurants, and created a virtual Downtown experience, #DWNTWNvibes.

Prior to joining the Miami DDA, Crespi worked in public service for more than 15 years gaining experience in strategic management, budget and finance, emergency management, community relations, legislation and policy development, logistics, project management, business and economic development, event coordination and planning. She served as Assistant to the County Manager and as a Special Projects Administrator for Miami-Dade County before serving as the Assistant Deputy Mayor for eight years.