Cynthia Stewart Joins Retail Strategies as Vice President of Community Engagement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CONTACT: Caroline Hannum
Retail Strategies
caroline@retailstrategies.com

BIRMINGHAM, AL (September 22, 2020) – Retail Strategies is pleased to announce that Cynthia Stewart has joined its team as Vice President of Community Engagement to expand channels of outreach to local communities and strengthen relationships with government entities and economic development associations. In her new role, Stewart will work to expand the Retail Academy platform and further develop tools for Retail Strategies.

Stewart spent the last 21 years working for the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) as Vice President of Community Development. She was responsible for advocacy, community outreach and program development, playing a key role in the development of ICSC’s University of Shopping Centers School of Economic Development. Stewart directed the creation of numerous publications, tools and resources focused on the needs of the public sector members of ICSC. She also was responsible for retail development public-private partnership educational and networking events across the United States, Canada and in China.

“Cynthia brings a heightened level of expertise and experience to help guide our clients through the changing retail and real estate environment. We are thrilled to have a new team member with such a remarkable track record of success. She will help us expand our services as we assist local communities with their economic recovery.”

Lacy Beasley, President of Retail Strategies

Stewart’s role at Retail Strategies will involve developing educational content for community leaders seeking to understand how retail is a catalyst for economic development and how to implement effective public private partnerships. Using her experience, she will be creating virtually accessible educational content by pulling together the most trusted institutions and professionals from the public and private side of the conversation.

“I am excited to join the Retail Strategies team,” said Stewart. “The foundation of my career has been building bridges between the public and private sector and creating opportunities for successful win-win strategic retail development public-private partnerships. During these times of challenge and uncertainty, a key component to ensuring the continued health of middle and rural America is a focus on viable retail and sustainable economic development. This is a great opportunity to leverage my network and the skills and abilities honed at ICSC on behalf of Retail Strategies and the local communities it serves.”

About Retail Strategies

Retail Strategies is a leading national advisory firm focused on retail market analysis, strategic planning, retail recruitment and development. Our mission is to provide the real estate expertise, tools and human effort that position deserving towns as alluring locations for national businesses. With confidence, we pursue this mission by delivering unparalleled customer service as a unified team with unmatched real estate expertise. Our activities pay a return in sales taxes, added jobs, and businesses that enhance and add to the unique qualities of your community.