About Downtown Huntsville, Inc.
Downtown Huntsville, Inc. (DHI) is a not-for-profit, membership organization committed to creating a vibrant, diverse and economically sustainable downtown. Our members represent all stakeholder groups, including downtown property owners, business owners, tourist attractions, business organizations, advocacy groups, neighborhood associations, and residents from throughout the city. DHI supports and advocates for our members through master planning, research studies, and commercial and residential development to ensure Downtown Huntsville continues to thrive. Other DHI initiatives include supporting our small businesses and bringing free and accessible signature events to the North Alabama community that result in more support for Huntsville businesses.
Mission Statement
Downtown Huntsville, Inc. is creating a vibrant, diverse and economically sustainable Downtown Huntsville.
Our Vision
Downtown Huntsville, Inc. is the champion for a vibrant and economically strong Downtown Huntsville. Its members represent all stakeholder groups, including Downtown property owners, business owners, tourist attractions, business organizations, advocacy groups, neighborhood associations and residents from throughout the city.
Our Focus
Downtown Huntsville, Inc. focuses on the following major initiatives:
– Urban Environment: Master planning with the city a high-quality live, work, play urban environment, focused on opportunity sites and redevelopment projects
– Downtown Commercial and Residential Development
– Downtown Advocacy and Public Policy
– Downtown Marketing and Public Relations
– Philanthropy & Membership
Meet the Team
Rob Buddo
President & CEO
e. rob@downtownhuntsville.org
p. 704-564-6124
Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Rob graduated from the University of Alabama in 2011, after obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Geography with an emphasis in Urban and Regional Planning. He started his professional career in Birmingham, Alabama working as a Catalytic Development Manager for Main Street Birmingham, the predecessor organization to REV Birmingham. While working for Main Street (and later) REV Birmingham, Rob focused on the redevelopment and management of properties in the city’s historic Woodlawn neighborhood. Over the course of the last decade, Rob also worked in several commercial real estate-related roles for CoStar Group, Inc. in the Washington, DC, and Houston, Texas markets.
Karla Bolin
Membership and Operations Manager
e. karla@downtownhuntsville.org
p. 256-694-0920
Originally from New Mexico, Karla relocated here with Mevatec Corporation in 1990. She has spent many years in business development, client services, and customer service and now ensures DHI runs smoothly. She also manages all membership information. Karla is a graduate of Bob Jones High School and Athens State University. She loves spending time with family, friends, watching SEC football and being outdoors. Though she is not a native Huntsvillian, Karla and her family have definitely made Downtown Huntsville their home.
Abigail Harrison
Communications Coordinator
e. abigail@downtownhuntsville.org
p. 256-609-9163
Originally from Scottsboro, Alabama, Abigail is a new resident in the Huntsville community. She graduated from Jacksonville State University in 2023, with a degree in Professional Writing and Communications. Abigail decided to start her professional career in Huntsville because of the vibrant and growing community. She is passionate about connecting with businesses, organizations, and people, and helping them tell their unique stories. Abigail strives to bring the same goal to DHI’s communication strategies.