Nichole Padgett joined the Downtown Dublin team in May 2024, originally serving as Operations Manager. With 27 years of experience in the banking industry, Nichole brings extensive knowledge in customer service, financial oversight, and organizational administration. She began her career at Bank of Dudley before moving to Morris Bank, where she worked for ten years and most recently served as Head Teller, earning a strong reputation for building lasting customer relationships.
Now serving as Main Street Director, Nichole oversees the day-to-day operations of Downtown Dublin and works closely with downtown businesses, community partners, and the Downtown Development Authority. From supporting local merchants and coordinating downtown events and initiatives to managing the financial and organizational needs of the program, Nichole plays an important role in keeping Downtown Dublin moving forward and creating a vibrant, welcoming downtown for our community and visitors.
Jason Keyton serves as Director of Business Development for Downtown Dublin while continuing to own and operate J Keyton Salon. A Johnson County native, Jason attended Georgia Southern University and graduated from the Dublin School of Hair Design before furthering his professional training at the Redken Exchange in New York City. He opened his first business at just 20 years old and brings nearly three decades of experience as a successful business owner.
Jason has a long history of community involvement and leadership in Dublin-Laurens County. A graduate of the 2024 Leadership Dublin-Laurens class, he has been involved with the Rotary Club of Dublin, the Downtown Development Authority, Downtown Dublin Main Street Advisory Council, Dublin-Laurens St. Patrick’s Festival, and Dublin-Laurens Arts Council.
In his role with Downtown Dublin, Jason brings his experience as a business owner and community leader to downtown development, working to support existing merchants, encourage new business and investment, and help create opportunities for continued growth in the heart of Dublin.
Glenda was born and raised in Athens, GA. During her college years, her parents relocated from Athens to Dublin and she has called the Emerald City home ever since.
With over 30 years of experience in nonprofit management, Glenda has built a highly successful career based on her abilities as an accomplished fundraiser, creative motivator, and energetic leader. In addition to fundraising, her areas of expertise include community engagement, corporate and economic development, board and volunteer recruitment, strategic planning, and marketing/communications. She has served in executive leadership roles with the Muscular Dystrophy Association in Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation in Atlanta and San Diego, the American Diabetes Association in Tampa and Nashville, and most recently, as the Area West Leader for Alzheimer’s Association. In this senior executive position, Glenda covered 26 states in the Central and Western US, and managed a fundraising budget of $160 million dollars – all while working remotely and traveling frequently from Dublin.
Stepping into her new role as the executive director of Dublin’s Downtown Development Authority, Glenda is thrilled to have the opportunity to “stay local” and to serve as an integral part of furthering downtown’s growth. She considers the venues under the DDA’s oversight – Theatre Dublin, Carnegie Library, Bicentennial Plaza, Jackson Plaza, and Market on Madison to be the “true gems” of the community and encourages local and out of town visitors to frequent them as often as possible.
Hannah Cochran joined the Downtown Dublin team in August 2026, bringing a background in marketing, social media, event planning, and community engagement. A graduate of Georgia College & State University, Hannah previously worked in higher education coordinating student activities and events before transitioning into social media and digital marketing.
As Marketing Director, Hannah works to tell the story of Downtown Dublin through social media, digital marketing, newsletters, website content, and promotional campaigns. She also helps coordinate and promote downtown events, works closely with local merchants and community partners, and highlights the businesses, people, and experiences that make downtown special. Hannah enjoys finding creative ways to connect the community with all that Downtown Dublin has to offer and is excited to play a role in its continued growth.
