Emily Baime Michaels joined the Midtown Association in 2013 and serves as the Executive Director where she has helped the organization grow from less than $250K in annual operating funds for Midtown businesses and property owners to an assessment district of $20M. Emily helps advocate for policies essential to Midtown stakeholders, has expanded clean and safe services, ensures prudent fiscal management, and continues to grow the Midtown Farmers Market which was named the #1 farmers market in California by the American Farmland Trust in 2024.

Emily holds a Masters of Leadership within Public Policy from the University of Southern California, Certificates in Fundraising Management and in Hospitality Law, and a Bachelors of Hospitality and Tourism from San Diego State University.

Prior to joining the organization Emily served as the CEO of Downtown Stockton Alliance, Development Department Head at El Cajon Community Development Corporation, Event Planner for Fiesta Cinco De Mayo Old Town San Diego, and owner/chef at Community Tap and Table.

Since joining the Midtown Association, two of Emily’s most proud accomplishments include

1) the formation of Midtown Parks, the 501(c)3 arm of Midtown Association, which aims to increase health and community engagement by investing in Midtown’s six parks, and

2) to the reinvigoration of the enhanced Midtown Second Saturday programming each year from May through October.

Outside of the office, you can find Emily renovating her mid-century modern home, tending to her culinary garden as well as hiking and kayaking.