Jackson, Mich. — The Jackson Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has a new executive director.  Coyn Speiser has been working for the Jackson Department of Public Works (DPW) for about a year and has now moved into his new role with the DDA.

Speiser says he was born and raised in Jackson, and loves it here, but also loves to travel. Over 40 years ago, his parents started the Jackson Trippers out of a love for people, and he worked for them for about 25 years. They began organizing trips for small groups and grew the business from station wagons all the way to international travel.

“Seeing all these things really helped me build all my strengths to be able to be in this position,” says Speiser of his trip organizing experience.

So what is the Downtown Development Authority? Speiser says the DDA is governed by a volunteer board of directors, and its goal is to promote economic growth in the city, preserving the historic integrity of the city, and planning & improvement of the downtown areas.

One of the first big DDA events of the season is the recurring Cruise In & Concert, Friday, May 26. These take place on the fourth Friday of every month, May through September.

Hear more from Speiser below: