Meet the new executive director leading Rockford City Market into its 15th season

Becca Bartels always has had her sights set high and figured she'd land an executive position at some point in her career.

"To have it happen at 30 was a little unexpected," the DeKalb native said.

On April 1, Bartels officially took over as executive director of of the Rock River Development Partnership, the local nonprofit responsible for Rockford City Market.

Bartels most recently served as Market Engagement Manager, managing vendors for Rockford City Market and North End Market, and overseeing private events at the Indoor City Market and the outdoor pavilion.

The market's former Executive Director Cathy McDermott, who has led the organization since its inception in 2010, is now semi-retired and has moved into a part-time role.

"She definitely walked alongside me on this journey as I adjust to taking over the position," Bartels said. "There's definitely a lot of things to learn because Cathy played such a huge role in this organization and has put her heart and soul into City Market."

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McDermott has moved into a part-time role as finance manager and will tackle special projects while keeping her seat on the Rock River Development Partnership board.

"I’m excited to pass the baton to Becca, who will bring new energy to move the organization forward," McDermott said.

As executive director, Bartels oversees fundraising, sponsorship, grants and the behind-the-scenes administrative work that goes into keeping the organization running.

City Market, which attracts roughly 90,000 people each year, kicks off its 15th season on May 17. The weekly event runs through Friday, Sept. 27.

The other core initiatives of the Rock River Development Partnership are the North End City Market, held every Saturday from May 14 through Oct. 29 at the corner of the North Main and Auburn streets; and the Rockford Vintage Market which happens on the third Saturday in the months of June, July, and August at the City Market Pavilion, downtown Rockford.

"To take his over is definitely a big undertaking but it's extremely exciting," Bartels said. "It's something that I feel very much ready to jump into."

Bartels came to Rockford in 2019 from Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she earned a degree in intercultural studies from Cornerstone University.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Becca Bartels takes over as Rockford City Market executive director