Somerville Local First Names New Executive Director

It looks like Somerville Local First, a group that supports and promotes independently owned Somerville businesses, has found a new executive director to replace Joe Grafton, who stepped down earlier this year.

According to an announcement sent by the organization, Kat Rutkin will officially step into the role on July 16. Rutkin previously worked as executive director of a neighborhood business improvement district in Brooklyn, N.Y., the announcement says.

Here's the announcement sent by the local business organization:

Somerville Local First, a nonprofit network of locally-owned, independent businesses, community based nonprofits, artists and community members working to build a sustainable community and an economy that is local, green and fair today announced the hiring of its new Executive Director, Kat Rutkin of Somerville.  Kat replaces the organizations founder, Joe Grafton, who will now serve as a Board Member at SLF and chair the Communications Committee.

“We at SLF are thrilled with Kat“ said Board President Jonathan Buck “we feel that her extensive community-based leadership experience will take SLF to the next level”

Kat’s resume includes master’s degree in Urban Planning with a concentration in Economic Development and Historic Preservation. She has eight years of experience in economic development, urban planning, and non-profit management, with two years as Executive Director of the Pitkin Avenue Business Improvement District in Brooklyn, New York.  At Pitkin Avenue, Kat had extensive experience in assisting small business and building a community of business owners. 

“I am really excited to be joining Somerville Local First. Somerville’s unique character is due in large part to its incredible collection of local businesses. I look forward to working with the board and membership to build on the excellent foundation that SLF has in place.”  said Rutkin.

Kat will immediately begin outreach to SLF stakeholders and members and, with the Board, will begin charting the course for the next stage in SLFs organizational development.

“Kat's experience, energy and vision will help to solidify our organization now and into the future” said Board Vice President, Andy Pyman.

Kat will begin her time as Executive Director on July 16^th and will be in attendance at the next SLF networking event and fundraiser,TheSummer-Ville Cooldown on Thursday 7/26 at Olde Magoun’s Saloon from 5:30-7:30.