LEADERSHIP IN DOWNTOWN MELBOURNE
Leadership and decision-making for Downtown Melbourne governs as Melbourne Main Street, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing and enhancing the economic growth of the district. Get to know the Melbourne Main Street Board of Directors and committed team.
MELBOURNE MAIN STREET BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
Corey Runte
BOARD CHAIR, PAST CHAIR, 2023;
DIRECTOR, 2019-PRESENT
Corey serves as Vice President at Certified General Contractors, Inc., located in Historic Downtown Melbourne, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to community to the Board. A resident of Melbourne Beach with his wife, Krista, and their three young sons, Corey actively engages in local initiatives. He serves as a member of the Economic Development Commission of the Space Coast and has previously chaired the boards of both Melbourne Main Street (MMS) and the City of Melbourne’s Historic & Architectural Review Board. His involvement in Main Street organizations spans over a decade, with a dedicated eight-year tenure at MMS. Corey is passionate about revitalizing Downtown Melbourne and offers the Board a unique and energetic perspective informed by his professional experience in construction and his long-standing commitment to community development.
Paul Resch
VICE CHAIR 2026-PRESENT, DIRECTOR, 2026-PRESENT
Paul is currently the General Manager of the Hotel Melby in Downtown Melbourne. With more than 25 years of hospitality experience across operations, marketing, and sales, Paul is a hands-on, people-first leader. He has a proven track record of building high-performing teams and aligning strategy with day-to-day execution while fostering positivity. Paul knows how to bring teams together and deliver memorable guest experiences. Paul believes in community first and has strived throughout his career to give back when and where he can.
Outside of work, he spends time with his family, and getting out to enjoy the Florida sunshine. You’ll also find him traveling, discovering new restaurants, or curating opportunities to get together with friends.
Lory Milton
TREASURER 2024-PRESENT, DIRECTOR, 2023-PRESENT
Lory Milton is the current Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer at Marine Bank and Trust.
She works closely with many small–business owners in the region building relationships to help business owners achieve their dreams.
Lory is a University of Central Florida graduate with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, and a longtime resident of the Space Coast.
Growing up in Melbourne, Lory has enjoyed watching and being a part of the Space Coast’s growth and is excited for what the future holds for Downtown Melbourne.
Lory serves as PTO Vice President at her son’s school, is a Board Member of The Gift Angel Society, and enjoys volunteering with the Brevard Children’s Hunger Project.
Cassandra Hartford
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR, 2024-2025, DIRECTOR, 2021-PRESENT
Cassandra Hartford is a distinguished professional with years of experience in real estate and client relations. Currently, Cassandra occupies many roles that allow her to utilize her exceptional skill set to its fullest potential.
As a Real Estate Advisor, Cassandra aims to be a beacon of knowledge and guidance for all of her clients. Cassandra specializes in a variety of asset classes; anything from residential real estate, to commercial real estate, investment portfolios, and development. She is well-known for her dedication and unwavering commitment to each individual. Over the years, Cassandra has developed an ever-expanding network and continues to build lasting relationships with many loyal clients. As a passionate professional, Cassandra takes pride in staying up-to-date with current market trends. Her natural interest in real estate and innate desire to help others can be directly attributed to her stellar reputation and track record.
In her free time, Cassandra loves spending time with her family, tending to her Koi Fish, or catching a local music or comedy show. She also enjoys Improv Acting and giving back to her community.
DIRECTORS
Bernard (Bernie) Clevens
DIRECTOR, 2025-PRESENT
Bernard S. Clevens is the Founder and Principal of Thematic Capital Group (“TCG”), a real estate investment firm in Melbourne, Florida. As of December 2024, the company manages approximately $28M in assets. The company focuses on value-add industrial real estate investments in the southeast.
Raised in Melbourne, Florida, Mr. Clevens believes that Downtown Melbourne is well positioned to benefit from a great location, a storied history and charming downtown streets. He joined the Board to drive further economic growth to Downtown Melbourne. The TCG portfolio includes a property in Downtown Melbourne, so his firm has a direct interest in the success of the local business community.
He and his wife are both from Brevard County and are proud to raise their two children in Melbourne. Mr. Clevens earned his bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College and holds an MBA from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School.
Cindy Dittmer
2025-PRESENT, EX-OFFICIO
Cindy Dittmer is the Community Development Director for the City of Melbourne. Cindy currently manages the Planning, Housing and Economic Development Divisions of the department, including the Melbourne Downtown Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) redevelopment efforts. Since beginning her career with the city in 1993, Cindy has worked closely with the stakeholders in the Downtown Melbourne area and continues to work daily on initiatives to continue the vitality of the community.
Cindy graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelors degree in Architecture and from Georgia Institute of Technology with a Masters degree in City Planning. She is a long-time resident of Melbourne, growing up in Melbourne since childhood. In her spare time, Cindy enjoys spending time with her family, camping and attending UF sporting events.
Don Hemmenway
DIRECTOR, 2024-PRESENT
Don Hemmenway retired as a Senior Engineering Manager from Renesas Electronics in Palm Bay (formerly Harris Semiconductor) after a 40-year career in microelectronics design and manufacturing. He was awarded 25 US and European patents, published numerous technical papers, and directly contributed to the implementation of multiple generations of tactical and strategic national defense programs.
Don and his wife, Cathy, raised four children in Brevard County and are extremely proud of their many accomplishments (including six grandchildren!). In 2019 they moved to a permanent residence on Crane Creek in Downtown Melbourne. Since retirement in 2023, they enjoy daily walks down New Haven Avenue to the harbor, as well as partaking in the diverse dining, shopping, and entertainment opportunities downtown.
Don is passionate about applying his time and talents to improve both Downtown Melbourne and his local Crane Creek Landing community. He is particularly inspired by the rich history of Downtown Melbourne and would like to improve how that story is delivered to enhance the visitor experience.
Erin Trauger
DIRECTOR, 2022-PRESENT
Erin is President of Trauger Consulting Engineers, Inc a Melbourne-based Civil Engineering design firm. She has nearly 20 years of local experience in Civil Engineering including due diligence, conceptual efforts, design/permitting, and construction administration of development.
Erin and her husband, Jim Trauger, work together at their consulting firm located in Downtown Melbourne. Their company project list includes commercial facilities, residential communities, industrial developments, and institutional improvements but additionally, Erin works on redevelopment projects for new updates and new life in Melbourne and other existing communities. Erin views these redevelopment projects as wildly beneficial for developed areas and enjoys being part of the community improvements. In the past, she served on the City of Melbourne Planning and Zoning board for six years and is excited to now be a small part of a great team that includes the Melbourne Main Street Board. Her hopes are to serve and help further successes in an already thriving Downtown Melbourne.
Erin Trauger
DIRECTOR, 2022-PRESENT
Erin is President of Trauger Consulting Engineers, Inc a Melbourne-based Civil Engineering design firm. She has nearly 20 years of local experience in Civil Engineering including due diligence, conceptual efforts, design/permitting, and construction administration of development.
Erin and her husband, Jim Trauger, work together at their consulting firm located in Downtown Melbourne. Their company project list includes commercial facilities, residential communities, industrial developments, and institutional improvements but additionally, Erin works on redevelopment projects for new updates and new life in Melbourne and other existing communities. Erin views these redevelopment projects as wildly beneficial for developed areas and enjoys being part of the community improvements. In the past, she served on the City of Melbourne Planning and Zoning board for six years and is excited to now be a small part of a great team that includes the Melbourne Main Street Board. Her hopes are to serve and help further successes in an already thriving Downtown Melbourne.
Erin Trauger
DIRECTOR, 2022-PRESENT
Erin is President of Trauger Consulting Engineers, Inc a Melbourne-based Civil Engineering design firm. She has nearly 20 years of local experience in Civil Engineering including due diligence, conceptual efforts, design/permitting, and construction administration of development.
Erin and her husband, Jim Trauger, work together at their consulting firm located in Downtown Melbourne. Their company project list includes commercial facilities, residential communities, industrial developments, and institutional improvements but additionally, Erin works on redevelopment projects for new updates and new life in Melbourne and other existing communities. Erin views these redevelopment projects as wildly beneficial for developed areas and enjoys being part of the community improvements. In the past, she served on the City of Melbourne Planning and Zoning board for six years and is excited to now be a small part of a great team that includes the Melbourne Main Street Board. Her hopes are to serve and help further successes in an already thriving Downtown Melbourne.
CONTINUE EXPLORING
ABOUT DTMB
Located along the Indian River Lagoon and Crane Creek waterfronts, DTMB is an unforgettable destination for locals and visitors alike.
MAIN STREET
Melbourne Main Street is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works to cultivate partnerships to revitalize Historic Downtown Melbourne.
HISTORY
Downtown Melbourne is one of the most charming parts of Melbourne, with a history that dates back to the 1800s.
EXPLORE
Explore Downtown Melbourne’s pedestrian-friendly side by visiting its waterfront parks and vibrant wall murals.
