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Team DOP

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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 Strauss

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.
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