Woman shops for flowers at the Virginia Highland Farmers Market.

Supporting Small Businesses

About Us

VHDA was founded as a 501c3 tax-deductible nonprofit organization in 2020, made up of a volunteer board of directors and support staff. Virginia Highland District Association's mission is to lead an impact-driven movement dedicated to supporting the vibrancy of our small business district, by investing in communications, partnerships, safety, appeal, and community engagement.

Meet the Team

VHDA is made up of a Board of Directors and paid staff invested in the betterment of our community. Our volunteer Board of Directors meets on a monthly basis and works on committees throughout the year on initiatives and events such as Porchfest and Winterfest. We also employ a talented staff that works hard on our marketing, merch, and event coordination.

FAQ

What is the Virginia Highland District Association (VHDA)?

The Virginia Highland District Association (VHDA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2020 by neighborhood residents in response to the high number of vacancies caused by COVID-19. VHDA’s mission is to strengthen and support the local business district through community engagement, beautification, safety, partnerships and advocacy, and strategic marketing and communications.

What is VHDA’s mission?

VHDA’s mission is to lead an impact-driven movement dedicated to supporting the vibrancy of our small business district by investing in communications, partnerships, safety, appeal, and community engagement.

Who are the volunteers and staff responsible for running the VHDA?

VHDA is led by an 11-member volunteer Board of Directors, including a president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary, supported by a team of 10 staff members led by an Executive Director.

What are VHDA’s top initiatives?

Community Engagement: Hosting events like Porchfest, VaHi Farmers Market, Winterfest, Mardi Gras Fest, and North Highland Restaurant Week.
Beautification: Installing warm white tree lighting, self-watering planters, and other streetscape improvements.
Safety: Coordinating commercial district patrols five days a week.
Partnerships & Advocacy: Collaborating with the City of Atlanta, the Atlanta BeltLine, and other partners while maintaining National Main Street Affiliate status.
Marketing & Communications: Promoting local businesses, events, and initiatives to build community pride and drive foot traffic.

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Meet the Team

Board Members

Lindsay Wheeler

Rich Chey

Kaitlyn O’Shaughnessy

Aditya Shrivastava

David Hicks

Dora Marquez

Steven Wilt

Lori Lensing

Eunice Taylor

Ron Farmer

Molly Long

Staff

Katie Voelpel

Sarah Miller

Sarah Carpenter

Mike Grad

Chris Higgins

Morgan Sangster

Katie Costa

Zach Oberholtzer

Carly Shortland

FAQ

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