3 Questions With Coventry Improvement's New Executive Director

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — Mallory Phillips, the new executive director of the Coventry Village Special Improvement District, is a rare breed, one of the few coastal transplants that chooses to call Northeast Ohio home. One of the reasons for her migration to our region was Coventry Village, its charming ambience and its unique set of shops.

Phillips — who has a background in marketing and event planning — moved from California to Northeast Ohio in 2015. She brought her company, Dreamhouse Marketing, with her. Prior to joining the Coventry Village Special Improvement District (CVSID), she worked with small businesses and concert venues, giving her a unique perspective on the region.

Patch caught up with Phillips and chatted about her new position, the future of Coventry, and how she's planning on tackling the area's challenges. (To learn more about Phillips' background and the CVSID, click here.)

What will be your first priorities as you embark on this new position?

Phillips: I am hitting the ground running with getting to know all of the merchants and neighborhood organizations and it has been so rewarding. I'm hoping to gain an understanding of the business and community goals of the individuals who operate in Coventry Village. Our first merchant meeting is happening on October 16th where we'll really start to dive in and reignite some collective action. I immediately jumped on the planning of the Halloween, Fall and holiday events. Starting as executive director in October already puts me a little behind on this but we're pulling it all together. I'm very excited to start with a bang this Holiday Season!

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing Coventry right now? How can the district tackle those challenges?

Phillips: After my initial talks with the CVSID board and many of the merchants, it's evident that real estate is a big concern for all. There are a number of vacant properties in the neighborhood and we are certainly seeking to bring in some enticing new tenants as soon as possible. Another challenge is driving traffic to the neighborhood. Many feel that individual businesses draw their own distinct audiences but that general traffic throughout the neighborhood has slowly been dwindling over the past few years. As far as I am concerned, I hope that a calendar full of fresh and engaging events alongside a robust channel of communicating and marketing the neighborhood and its merchants will help rally a new excitement that will attract both customers and businesses to the area.

How do you see the Coventry district evolving over the next year to five years?

Phillips: I think Coventry is at a crossroads and is eagerly seeking to evolve into a neighborhood that feels exciting and comfortable. I think that relationships have always been at the core of what makes it feel like such a close community. I foresee increased collaboration among local businesses, greater community outreach, and personalized online engagement making Coventry an integral part of the everyday lives of people all over the Greater Cleveland Area.

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Photo from Mallory Phillips