Main Street Names New Executive Director

Kate Repola, Main Street Vermilion’s
New Executive Director

Main Street Vermilion is pleased to announce that Kate Repola will assume the position of executive director of Main Street Vermilion beginning January 1, 2023. Repola will succeed Marilou Suszko who is leaving at the end of 2022 having served in that role for the past 7 years.

“The Main Street board and staff are confident that this transition of leadership will come with new ideas and beneficial community partnerships,” said Eileen Bulan, board president. “We’ll continue our commitment to the work of the organization, which includes community beautification, revitalization and economic development.”

Repola, who is an active community volunteer, currently serves as the chair of the Parks & Recreation Board and has been actively involved in the Main Street Beach & Park project.

Kate was born, raised and educated in Vermilion. She graduated from Bowling Green State University and worked for the City of Beachwood as the communication coordinator before moving back to her hometown. Married to Kurt Repola, they have two children, Max and Georgia who attend Vermilion High School.

“Working for Main Street Vermilion feels like the logical choice for me” said Kate. “I love Vermilion. I have strong ties to the community and my work experience with retail businesses provides me with a unique perspective that will be helpful in this position.”

“Main Street Vermilion’s biggest asset is its extraordinary volunteers,” she added. “Having served as a volunteer, I know they are key to the success of Main Street Vermilion. I am thrilled to be working with them to continue the organization’s vision and projects.”

“My goal as Director is pretty simple,” said Repola. “to continue and expand on MSV’s current projects and mission and keep an eye on the future,” said Repola. “There is more work to be done and exciting plans ahead.”