Team DOP
Jill Vaughan
President & CEO
Jill Vaughan is the President & CEO of the Downtown Orlando Partnership (DOP). Prior to joining the organization in December 2020, she served in a number of senior development and leadership roles with AdventHealth Foundation. Her extensive background in marketing, sales, and fundraising expands and strengthens DOP’s diverse membership, which includes more than 200 of Orlando’s leading corporate, non-profit, and civic organizations.
With goals of shaping the vibrant, dynamic future of the Downtown Orlando business community, Jill is committed to mobilizing DOP’s vision for powering partnerships, uniting common interests, and extending influence. She believes in the future of Downtown Orlando as a premier destination for business, community, and culture.
Jill holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing from Michigan State University and loves college sports. Although she is a Michigan State alum, Jill’s three sons are all UF Gators, making her one by proxy. In her spare time, the College Park mom enjoys dining out, traveling, and thrifting— especially for mid-century modern finds. She is fortunate for Downtown Orlando’s diverse industry of venues and assets, and relishes her professional role in sharing them.
Emma Beer
Marketing & Communications Manager
Emma Strauss is the Marketing & Communications Manager for the Downtown Orlando Partnership (DOP). With a strong background in marketing, event management, and nonprofit development, Emma leverages her expertise to support the growth of downtown Orlando's community.
A proud Florida native, Emma graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2022 with a Bachelor's degree in Film. While her favorite movie may change daily, her dedication to creating community connections and contributing to the success of downtown Orlando remains unwavering.
In her role, Emma oversees DOP’s marketing efforts and event initiatives, connecting residents, businesses, and stakeholders within the city. She is passionate about uniting people through stories and experiences that showcase the unique character of the city, both in person and online.
In her spare time, Emma enjoys hiking, thrifting, and attending concerts, often combining all three while traveling the world in search of new adventures.
Alexis Winford
Events Coordinator
Alexis Winford is the Events Coordinator for the Downtown Orlando Partnership (DOP).
Originally from Iowa, Alexis attended the University of Northern Iowa where she earned both her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Public Relations and Master of Arts in Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs. She relocated to Florida in 2020 and has loved getting to experience all that the Orlando community has to offer.
Her career has spanned from event planning and coordinating to higher education and human resources. She is passionate about building meaningful relationships and loves organizing opportunities to bring people together and build community. You never know who you’re going to meet and connect with at a DOP event!
When she’s not downtown, Alexis enjoys traveling, reading, thrifting, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Kennedy Shiley
Membership Coordinator
Kennedy Shiley is the Membership Coordinator for the Downtown Orlando Partnership (DOP).
A native Floridian, Kennedy was born and raised in Orlando and is proud to call Central Florida home. She attended the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College with a degree in Hospitality Management, where she developed a passion for creating meaningful experiences and fostering strong community connections.
Her professional experience has been rooted in the nonprofit sector, where she has focused on relationship-building, member engagement, and community impact. Kennedy is passionate about serving her community and cultivating authentic connections that strengthen both organizations and the people they serve. She believes that meaningful relationships are at the heart of a thriving downtown and enjoys helping members connect, collaborate, and grow through DOP.
When she’s not downtown, Kennedy enjoys spending time with her dogs, visiting local farmers markets on the weekends, and spending quality time with her family and friends.