ABOUT DDA
ABOUT DDA
Building Together
Our Mission
Through advocacy, communication, marketing, and revitalization, the Casper Downtown Development
Authority exists to promote and enhance our community’s historic and thriving downtown.
Shared Vision
Our Core Principles
Safety & Security
The Casper DDA works to ensure Downtown Casper remains a safe, clean, and accessible place for all by listening and responding to the needs of its community.
Downtown
Development
To truly live, work, and play in Downtown Casper, the DDA identifies and uplifts new development projects that meet the community’s wants and needs.
Economic Prosperity
The DDA advocates for Downtown Casper property owners, working to keep it attractive, thriving, and welcoming for new businesses and opportunities.
Cultivating Relationships
Casper DDA promotes a vibrant, thriving downtown by fostering relationships, sharing key info, and enhancing engagement with stakeholders and partners.
Community Support
Understanding the Mill Levy
The History:
THE HISTORY: In 1989, downtown property owners took a proactive role in shaping the future of Downtown Casper by establishing and supporting the Casper Downtown Development Authority (DDA). Since its inception, the DDA has focused on enhancing the economic vitality and development of Downtown Casper by promoting professional and retail spaces, improving the area’s aesthetics, advocating for initiatives that benefit both Downtown and the broader Casper community, and marketing Downtown Casper and its businesses.
THE ELECTION: Every four years, commercial property owners vote to renew the 16-mill levy assessment on DDA District properties. The revenue generated supports the DDA’s operational needs and funds a range of ongoing initiatives that benefit the downtown area.
Key activities supported by these funds include:
- David Street Station: the premier project spearheaded by the DDA, DSS is now operating as an independent 501(c)3 with separation from the DDA in mid-2024
- DDA Boost: a matching grant and sponsorship program to encourage property improvement projects and activities within Downtown Casper
- 2nd Street Corridor: The beautiful planters and music create a distinct Downtown atmosphere
- Regular communication with stakeholders about events and priorities for Downtown and opportunities for engagement
- Advocacy efforts on subjects like the homeless population, parking and safety issues
Dedicated Leadership
Board of Directors
GREG DIXSON
HILLTOP NATIONAL BANK
BOARD CHAIRPERSON
Term expires 06/30/2026
Greg Dixson has served as President and CEO of Hilltop National Bank for more than a decade. Based in Casper, Wyoming, Hilltop is a respected community financial institution with additional locations in Glenrock, Cheyenne, and Gillette. A Cheyenne native, Greg earned his degree from the University of Wyoming and graduated from the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington. He and his wife, Ann, have four grown children and two grandchildren. Much of Greg’s banking career was spent in Colorado, but he is honored to conclude his professional journey in Wyoming, a state of deep personal meaning. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys hiking, cycling, and skiing. Dedicated to service, he has held nonprofit board roles and now chairs the Downtown Development Authority.
BILL LYONS
BRUCKE BAUEN
BOARD VICE CHAIRPERSON
Term expires 06/30/2028
A Wyoming native, Bill was born in Cheyenne, raised in Pine Bluffs, and moved to Casper in 2012 as Home Depot’s Store Manager. His family quickly embraced the community—his daughters graduated from Kelly Walsh, and his wife Tracey, once Applebee’s GM, now works with Business Aviators. Bill has been a Realtor with RE/MAX The Group since 2014 and became Business Operations Manager at Brucke Bauen Casper LLC in 2022, overseeing downtown properties like Atrium Plaza and Casper Citiwerks. He also officiates sports and joined the DDA Board in 2023 to support downtown growth.
KEN WHITE JR
TRUE COMPANIES
BOARD TREASURER
Term expires 06/30/28
Ken White Jr. is the Chief Treasury Officer and Treasurer of the True Companies. A graduate of Texas Tech University, he has built his career primarily in the oil and gas industry, working in Texas, Colorado, and Wyoming. Originally from West Texas, he has called Casper home for more than 25 years.
SHAWN HOUCK
UPSLOPE MEDIA
BOARD SECRETARY
Term expires 06/30/26
A lifelong Casper resident, Shawn Houck earned an English degree from the University of Wyoming and has a passion for storytelling, media, and entrepreneurship. He owns several downtown businesses, including Oil City News, Oil City Weekly, and co-owns Frontier Brewing Company. As a DDA board member, he works to support a thriving entrepreneurial community. In his free time, Shawn enjoys running local trails and attending community events with his family.
MEGAN BRATTON
NATRONA COUNTY LIBRARY
Term expires 06/30/29
Megan Bratton is the PR & Marketing Manager at the Natrona County Library, where she leads branding, outreach, and digital strategy. With 15+ years in business and libraries, she brings expertise in communication, tech integration, and community engagement. A downtown resident, Library professional, and co-owner of local businesses, Megan offers a unique, invested perspective on Casper’s core. She serves on several community initiatives and is passionate about creating a vibrant, inclusive, and well-connected downtown.
KERSTIN ELLIS
LUM STUDIO
Term expires 06/30/27
Kerstin is a partner at LŪM Studio, a Casper-based marketing and communications consultancy. Since 2005, she has worked in marketing and PR in Wyoming and Colorado after earning her BA from Iowa State. Moving to Casper in 2008, she quickly embraced downtown’s charm and potential, serving on the DDA Marketing Committee and continuing as an active supporter. As a business owner with clients in the district, she values a thriving downtown that drives business, recreation, and lifestyle. Married with two young sons, Kerstin enjoys family, travel, boating, and volunteering.
TONY HAGER
SLUMBERLAND
Term expires 06/30/27
Born in a cabin below Fremont Lake in Pinedale Wyoming, Tony grew up with three brothers and two sisters - all of whom still live and raise their families here in Wyoming. Tony attended high school in Rock Springs and spent two years at University of Wyoming in Laramie before meeting my wife, Michelle. Tony and his wife transferred up to the University of North Dakota together so that she could pursue her Doctorate in Physical Therapy, while Tony finished his business management degree. They moved back to Wyoming in 2011, after working for Slumberland Corporate in Wichita, Kansas and opened a Slumberland franchise in Downtown Casper. Tony and his wife have 5 wonderful daughters who keep them very busy with school, activities, and time spent together outdoors.
TIM SCHENK
GSG ARCHITECTURE
Term expires 06/30/28
Tim, a lifelong Casper resident, has practiced architecture in Wyoming for 45 years and been involved in numerous downtown projects. A Montana State University graduate with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Architecture, he is a licensed Wyoming architect. Tim has served as President of the State Board of Architects and Landscape Architects, on local planning and licensing boards, and currently serves as an elder at Grace Reformed Church, bringing his experience to guide the DDA.
KYLE GAMROTH
CITY OF CASPER-COUNCIL APPOINTMENT
Term expires 01/07/29
Kyle has represented Ward II on the Casper City Council since January 2021. Beyond his role on the DDA board, he serves as liaison to the Casper Housing Authority, the Economic Development Joint Powers Board, the Old Yellowstone District, and the Wyoming Association of Municipalities. A lifelong Casper resident, Kyle has lived and worked downtown and enjoys spending time there with his wife, Whitney, and their daughter, Eleanor—often at David Street Station, a project his father helped develop with the DDA board. After earning a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Wyoming, Kyle worked in mental health before moving into marketing, gaining experience at multiple agencies. He now works in IT as a business and branch development professional. Passionate about community and the outdoors, he enjoys hiking, biking, kayaking, and making memories with his family in downtown Casper.
People Focus
DDA TEAM
Melissa Hugget
Executive Director
A Casper native, Melissa brings extensive experience in management, client services, volunteer coordination, and community engagement, with past leadership roles at Central Wyoming Hospice & Transitions, Wyoming Health Fairs, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Known for her steady leadership and compassionate communication, she has led major fundraising initiatives, managed cross-functional teams, developed strategic marketing campaigns, and built strong volunteer networks—all with a focus on operational excellence and community impact. Her vision aligns seamlessly with the DDA’s mission to strengthen downtown Casper through business recruitment, economic development, public relations, outreach, and beautification efforts that draw people to the heart of the city. A proud mother of three, Melissa thrives at the intersection of family, career, and community, balancing board meetings and professional commitments with the joy of Casper life, from downtown festivals and live music to local arts and culture.