Dani and her husband Todd Niehus moved from Portland to McMinnville in 1991. They have four adult children, all of whom attended McMinnville High School and are living in Oregon, Washington, and Texas. Dani began her career in hospitality nearly 27 years ago, working for Jule Gradek at Sir Hinkleman’s Funnyduffer Restaurant and Catering. After taking some time off to raise her family, and a brief stint with the McMinnville School District, Dani started working for McMenamins company in 1996. As Hotel Oregon's property manager for the past four years, Dani has worked hard to create a welcoming and fun environment for locals and visitors from all across the globe. In 2017 Dani joined the Visit McMinnville board of directors, and has enjoyed learning about tourism and its impact on economic development in McMinnville and the communities of Yamhill County. She is a vocal advocate for the growth of McMinnville’s downtown, and has worked to build strong relationships with local business owners and city officials. When Dani is not at work, she enjoys traveling anywhere warm, and spending time with her family and friends.

503- 472-8427

Meg moved to McMinnville in 1987 when her family relocated from Michigan and has loved living here ever since. Meg has 2 amazing, adult children, and you have probably seen her husband, Norm, down at Joe Dancer with McMinnville Parks and Rec. Meg has been working for Troon Vineyard, a winery out of southern Oregon's Applegate Valley, for the past 9 year. She loves being part of the vibrant McMinnville Downtown and sharing these wines and our vision of regenerative agriculture with guests visiting the Willamette Valley. Meg is also on the programming committee with Women in Wine. In her downtime Meg enjoys spending time with her family and enjoys taking in live theatre and a baseball game.

Sandy and her husband moved their young family to Yamhill County in 1995. Volunteering in the Community became a way to meet people in their new surroundings. Over the years, Community Involvement has continued to be Sandy’s focus, bringing people together for the common good. Sandy returned to banking in 2006 after raising her family. She is currently the Branch Manager/Loan Officer at the McMinnville Home Office on Third Street, and is honored to be a part of the McMinnville Downtown Association. In their spare time, you will find the Schultz’s enjoying family, crabbing, and fishing at the Oregon Coast.

Heather Richards is the Community Development Director for the City of McMinnville. She joined the City in 2016. Previously she worked in Redmond, Oregon as the Community Development Director for ten years. Heather oversees Planning, Building, Code Compliance and Community Relations, and Urban Renewal for the City of McMinnville. Prior to working in community development, Heather worked as a Main Street Manager in Baker City, Oregon and owned her own downtown boutique in both Baker City, Oregon and Boise, Idaho. She has a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University and a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning and Historic Preservation from Eastern Michigan University. She received the Professional Community and Economic Developer certification from the Community Development Council in 2006. She lives in McMinnville and has two children both of whom recently graduated from McMinnville High School. “Downtowns hold a special place in my heart. I loved being a Main Street Manager and a small business owner in downtown Baker City and Boise. The community of business owners and customers that you create in a downtown setting is something that cannot be replicated elsewhere. And downtown McMinnville is one of the nation’s best downtowns. I am thrilled to return full circle to the Main Street program by serving on this board.”

Kate is an attorney specializing in community building, business services, mergers and acquisitions, and real estate. Coming from a family of serial entrepreneurs, she grew up helping run various family companies, and applies her experience in serving other business owners today. She wholeheartedly believes thriving natural environments and culture are fundamental for strong economic communities. She earned a J.D. from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, and moved to McMinnville to join Haugeberg, Rueter, Gowell, Fredricks & Higgins, P.C. She loves McMinnville, and appreciates the opportunity to support local downtown businesses through the MDA.

503-883-2607

Nora Lamb moved to McMinnville in 2007. She instantly fell in love with its charming downtown. Now married with two beautiful children, there's nowhere else she'd choose to raise her family. With a decade of culinary entrepreneurship under her belt, Nora stands at the helm of Crescent Cafe, a cornerstone of downtown McMinnville's vibrant dining scene. Her journey in hospitality is underpinned by a robust foundation in social sciences, which informs her approach to business and community engagement. As an active member of our local community, she is dedicated to fostering connections through gastronomic experiences that celebrate our collective heritage and future. Nora's commitment to excellence and community service has not only flavored her career but also enriched the lives of those who walk through the doors of her cafe. Nora's adoration for McMinnville's charm makes serving on the MDA board an absolute honor.  

(503) 435-2655

Ames was born and raised in McMinnville, and loves being able to call McMinnville home. He and his husband JP own and operate Bierly Brewing, a gluten-free brewpub and bakery on Third Street. Ames can often be found at Flag & Wire with a book or a friend, roaming Third Street with his two kids, or in the kitchen at Bierly Brewing. In his spare time he’s also a professional cellist.

Marilyn Kosel is a life-long Oregonian and has lived in Yamhill County for 35 years. She is a retired firefighter and mother of two. She and her husband Brad Shaver are property owners of the “Old Elks Building” on 3rd St. They have owned other properties in town and have operated a downtown retail store. They have taken on many historic renovation projects for which Marilyn has done design.

She is also owner and Creative Director at Wayward Winds Lavender. A private label manufacturing company and lavender farm where she works with a wonderful team of employees. Marilyn heads up new product development and graphic design. She is a founder of the Willamette Valley Lavender Festival, Lavender Northwest, and the US Lavender Growers Association where she is currently Vice President. Marilyn has been a perpetual entrepreneur. Also finding success over the years in horse breeding, landscape design, and as the owner of a specialty plant nursery.

She is currently working on her next goal where she can put her artistic and design skills to work - the mastery of oil painting. In addition to serving the McMinnville Downtown Association, Marilyn serves on Boards or Committees at the US Lavender Growers Association, Lavender Northwest, the Art Harvest Studio Tour, and the Third Street Improvement PAC.