HERITAGE FOUNDATION HIRES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE MAIN STREET PROGRAM, DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN ASSOCIATION

Outgoing Brentwood Mayor Jill Burgin to begin new position in January

FRANKLIN, Tenn. – The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN has hired outgoing Mayor of Brentwood Jill Burgin as executive director of the Main Street program. Franklin’s Main Street program, also known as the Downtown Franklin Association, is accredited through the National Main Street Center, a division of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

“I am so excited about the opportunity to continue serving Williamson County through the Downtown Franklin Association,” said Burgin. “My experience with municipal government and love of history will enable me to help the Heritage Foundation continue to protect and promote what is unique about downtown Franklin.”

Prior to her role as the mayor of Brentwood, Burgin was elected by Brentwood citizens to serve as city commissioner for nearly eight years. With a background in journalism, Burgin spent her early career as an editor for publications in Memphis. In 1991, Burgin moved to Williamson County to serve as editor for Schroeder-Flynn and Company, which led her to a position as copy editor and columnist for Williamson A.M. and later for the Brentwood Home Page.

Bari Beasley, CEO of the Heritage Foundation added, “Working collaboratively with the DFA board in selecting a new executive director, I could not be more pleased with the outcome. I am thrilled that Jill Burgin will be joining the Heritage Foundation’s team in January as the executive director of the Main Street program. Jill brings incredible experience and talent to this role, and I know the Franklin community will love getting to know her and work with her. I am very excited about the future of DFA with Jill at the helm.”

Burgin received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Memphis and later earned a master’s in English education from Vanderbilt University. Burgin is involved in several local organizations including the Middle Tennessee Mayors Caucus, Greater Nashville Regional Council Board of Directors, Williamson County Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors and more.

President of the Downtown Franklin Association leadership team Jason Collins added, “We’re excited for Jill to join our team as we grow the Downtown Franklin Association. Jill brings a strong local background matched with passion and experience to elevate the DFA to the next level.”

Under the guidance of parent organization, the Heritage Foundation, and working in partnership with property owners, preservationists, city and county government, local businesses and merchants in the historic retail district, the Downtown Franklin Association has helped create one of the nation’s Main Street success stories. For more information on the Downtown Franklin Association, visit www.downtownfranklintn.com.

Since 1967, the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN has been dedicated to protecting and preserving Williamson County’s architectural, geographic and cultural heritage and promoting the ongoing revitalization of downtown Franklin in the context of historic preservation. Notable projects include the Franklin Theatre, Roper’s Knob, parts of the Franklin battlefield and the Old, Old Jail. The Foundation brings county history to about 3,000 public, private and homeschooled children each year through the Heritage Classroom program and walking tours of downtown Franklin. Events and festivals produced by the Heritage Foundation such as Main Street Festival, the Heritage Ball, Pumpkinfest and Dickens of a Christmas bring hundreds of thousands of locals and visitors to the county each year. For more information on the Heritage Foundation, visit https://williamsonheritage.org.