KDC names Piolatto new director

KANKAKEE — A new executive director has been tabbed to lead the Kankakee Development Corporation.

Nina Piolatto, of Kankakee, will take over the role most recently held by Peggy Mayer. Mayer, also of Kankakee, resigned from the downtown organization in October following a seven-year tenure as its executive director.

In this role, Piolatto will lead the downtown’s efforts to promote the city’s center core and generate more development and activities in this area.

KDC leadership announced the Piolatto hire on Friday.

A 2005 graduate of Manteno High School and holder of two masters degrees from Southern Illinois University, Piolatto has started in her new role this week.

Piolatto, 38, a five-year resident of Kankakee, is not a stranger to the downtown. She owned and operated Madame Saint Vintage, a curated retail storefront of classic clothing, furniture and other items, from 2022-24.

Fluent in Spanish and well-versed in matters of sales and marketing, she understands both the pressures facing downtown businesses and the types of cooperative support that will help them succeed.

“I look forward to collaborating not only with our diverse set of shop owners, restaurants, and professionals, but the growing number of residents living in downtown apartments,” she said.

Monthly compensation for the part-time position is $2,700.

Originally from Manteno, Piolatto and her husband, Jared Martin, a carpenter with PSI, Inc., moved to Kankakee in 2019. She is the president of the Riverview Historic District Board of Directors and recently served on KDC’s Board of Directors.

“Nina brings incredible creativity and experience to KDC,” said KDC board president Scott Smith. “I’m confident that every member of the downtown community will benefit from her efforts.”

Now in it 61st year, KDC is a not-for-profit corporation led by downtown property owners and business representatives dedicated to beautifying and building the district.

The organization administers the City of Kankakee’s Special Service Area No. 1 and oversee popular initiatives which include the Kankakee Farmers Market, Sandwiches with a Side of Jam, Sidewalk Dining Program and Rent Rebate Program.

Piolatto said as a downtown business owner she had the opportunity to plan and participate in downtown events.

“Being a part of the downtown business community is something I really enjoy. When I was closing my business, it came at time when there was the possibility of this position opening up,” she said. “This allows me to stay in the mix downtown.”

She will not be just “in the mix.”

“Now I will have a really big hand in this. This has been perfect timing. I really believe in this downtown area.”

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