2021 DNA Board Nominees


We asked our DNA Board Nominees to answer three questions regarding their interest for being on the board. See below for their responses. Photos were provided by nominees, if available.


Gleisha Brown

Why do you want to run for a seat on the DNA Board of Directors?
To make a difference in the perception of Downtown Saint louis.

What strengths and assets would you bring to the DNA Board of Directors?
Organization, hard worker.

What upcoming opportunities for DNA excite you the most?
Changing the image of Downtown.


Kristin Denbow

Why do you want to run for a seat on the DNA Board of Directors?
I have recently retired and have the opportunity to participate more within the community in order to help make positive changes downtown.

What strengths and assets would you bring to the DNA Board of Directors?
As a long time educational administrator, I spent my entire career working to resolve conflict, make positive changes and problem solve with children, parents, and community members. I feel one of my strengths is looking at the big picture, and putting the steps in place to make positive change.

What upcoming opportunities for DNA excite you the most?
I am looking forward to the continued redevelopment of the different buildings downtown, and how they can make a positive change to Downtown. DNA working with these new developments and businesses is crucial for us to have a healthy city center.


James Page

Why do you want to run for a seat on the DNA Board of Directors?
I would be honored to win another seat on and serve another term with the DNA Board of Directors. Doing so will provide me with a platform to continue making positive differences in Laclede’s Landing, Downtown, and Downtown West.

What strengths and assets would you bring to the DNA Board of Directors?
(A) Institutional knowledge of DNA’s history, processes, and procedures.
(B) An intense desire to leverage positive relationships with many Downtown residents, business owners, non-profit organizations, and elected/appointed officials for the betterment of Downtown STL.

What upcoming opportunities for DNA excite you the most?
(A) Improved management of DNA’s finances in my current role as Treasurer.
(B) Continuous improvement of safety and quality of life through my affiliation with DNA’s Safety Committee.


Dan Pistor

1) Why you are seeking a seat on the Board of Directors?

 I have been a downtown resident for 11 years and have worked downtown in Finance for the past 9 years, so I am sincerely committed to the downtown neighborhood. I have served as a Board Member for the past 3 years, been chair of the Safety Committee for 3 years, have been a member of the Urban Spaces committee for 4 years, and have provided assistance to the Development Committee when needed. I want to continue being a voice for residents and ensure the Safety Committee continues to have a voice on the Board to help advance its goals and objectives.

2) What strengths and assets can you bring to assist DNA’s mission?

 I bring experience and knowledge to the board. I have a strong understanding of the challenges facing downtown and the city. I have built positive relationships with other downtown stakeholders, elected officials, city departments, business owners, and law enforcement. I have knowledge of how city government functions and how we can navigate that process to accomplish certain initiatives, while maintaining a positive reputation for the organization. I am able to listen to both sides of an issue and craft a solution that is in the best interest for downtown and DNA. I am a major advocate for downtown to outsiders often highlighting the positive events and changes taking place. I am very reliable in attending board meetings and neighborhood events.

3) What upcoming opportunities for DNA excite you the most?

 My priorities are to utilize my board position to ensure that DNA remains focused on the quality of life for downtown residents through safety, cleanliness, downtown infrastructure, and providing support for downtown businesses. In addition, downtown has experienced very strong residential growth downtown, however residents and businesses are often not heard during the decision making process. I would like to utilize DNA’s positive reputation and sizable membership numbers to ensure DNA has a presence when decisions are made and advocate for strategies that will improve the downtown neighborhood. I will listen to feedback and bring members together through neighborhood meetings and events while supporting local businesses. I also want to help advance the efforts of funding and membership growth for DNA.

Munir Prince

Why do you want to run for a seat on the DNA Board of Directors?
To begin with, my wife and I relocated back to St. Louis when I accepted the Activities Director position at Webster Groves High School. We knew immediately that we wanted to be part of the downtown St. Louis community so we purchased our first home in the Meridian Building on Washington Avenue in July of 2020. The walkability, supporting local businesses, cheering on our favorite sports teams and truly being part of the Downtown community are just a few of the reasons for our decision to buy downtown. Despite all those wonderful attributes of downtown St. Louis, it quickly became apparent that downtown St. Louis is not the city we knew. My wife and I remember a time when we would come home for holiday breaks, and we would make it a point to visit Downtown for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful city scenery and flourishing economy. It was the place to be and we felt a sense of pride showing our city to out of town friends. What we are currently experiencing is just a shell of the past greatness of Downtown St. Louis. I feel we share the same vision as many Downtown Residents and desire a quick revitalization. I want to make an impact in my community and be part of a cohesive neighborhood association that can pull the resources and support required to make sustainable improvements for downtown businesses and residents. If given the opportunity, I will collaborate cohesively with other DNA Board Members to make St. Louis the place not only to visit, but to LIVE! Thanks for your time and I appreciate your consideration.

What strengths and assets would you bring to the DNA Board of Directors?
As a former collegiate athlete and football coach, I have competed and coached with teams that have experienced great success and disappointing failures. These experiences have helped me to develop a winning culture that not only succeeds on the field, but provides a platform to win in life. Building a strong foundation, playing to the strengths of an organization, finding common ground to achieve objectives, overcoming adverse situations and creating a positive culture are staples to developing a winning program, business or family. These are the values that I will bring to the DNA Board of Directors.

What upcoming opportunities for DNA excite you the most?
1. The development and infusion of businesses and residential spaces downtown
2. Overcoming the effects of COVID-19 on our community
3. Safety and Outreach Programs to make our community safer and create open, positive communication between our community and law enforcement


Nicholas Shelton

Why do you want to run for a seat on the DNA Board of Directors?
It you be wonderful to have a young, educated person on the board.

What strengths and assets would you bring to the DNA Board of Directors?
Very open minded and wanted the community better in downtown.

What upcoming opportunities for DNA excite you the most?
Honestly all of them!


Lindsay Van Quaethem

Why do you want to run for a seat on the DNA Board of Directors?
I worked for Downtown STL, Inc. and I want to help downtown grow!

What strengths and assets would you bring to the DNA Board of Directors?
Marketing, communications and community engagement.

What upcoming opportunities for DNA excite you the most?
The opportunity to give back to Downtown STL.


DNA Town Hall – Annual Meeting

Join us online Monday, January 11th at 6:00 PM for our first Town Hall of 2021.

Voting members will be electing up to 4 board seats to replace emptying seats, and to join the existing board directors.

Also, hear information from the current DNA Board of Directors, local elected officials, and about other new events and businesses in the region.

Stay tuned to your email inbox for more details!