Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Switzer.
Christian, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up loving Orlando and after college, found a job locally. I soon joined and became active in Ivanhoe Village Main Street and was asked to join the Board of Directors. Not long after, the Executive Director left and I stepped into that role.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s my theory that life is not meant to be a smooth road. I had a number of jobs prior to this that rounded me into the person I am today and each change and transition has brought on new challenges.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the Executive Director for Ivanhoe Village Main Street, a local Orlando non-profit working to build a community with economic vitality in a district just north of Downtown Orlando. I have successfully led our organization to meet the challenges of Covid and have seen the district absolutely thrive as we move into 2021. I have expanded my skills in social media promotion and have been implementing new channels previously not used by this organization. I am a hands-on leader who is more likely to be out in the district building relationships and connections than behind my desk and I believe that is something that sets me apart.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I grew up visiting both sets of grandparents in Colorado. My mother’s parents are ranchers and I was in a number of horse shows and barrel raced. My father’s parents were also ranchers but in the mountains and I attended numerous Wool Markets where my grandfather bought and sold alpacas and llamas and my grandmother sold her own woven pieces and wool processed by hand.
Contact Info:
- Email: DIRECTOR@IVANHOEVILLAGE.ORG
- Website: https://ivanhoevillage.org/
- Instagram: ivanhoevillage
- Facebook: IvanhoeVillage
- Twitter: ivanhoevillage
