Chestnut Hill welcomes new retail recruiter, Kathie Meadows

As the seasons are changing, so too is the landscape of the Chestnut Hill Business District. In late July the Chestnut Hill Business Association announced that Wyndmoor resident Kathie Meadows would be replacing Laurie Wightman as the neighborhood’s retail recruiter.

Wightman had held the position since July 2012.

Meadows comes to the position with over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing and a strong background in retail and interior design.

She grew up in Doylestown, but says her ties to Chestnut Hill go back to when she was very young. “My first job was as an intern in the late 80s at Concannon Travel off of Highland Avenue,” Meadows says. “I used to meet friends at the Depot for happy hour and dine regularly with my parents at 21 West.”

Meadows began her career in hospitality at a hotel marketing company based in South Carolina. After years of traveling for the position began to take its toll, Meadows moved back to Philadelphia and began working in sales for the Latham Hotel. From there she went on to become the director of marketing at The Warwick, where she met her husband, Alan.

Starting a family prompted the couple to move away from Center City. Settling in Wyndmoor, Meadows now has three children: Evan, 15, Cole, 13, and Grace, 11.

After leaving the corporate world in 2003, Meadows began her own interior design business called Housedressing by Kate. 

“I applied for the position of retail recruiter at the urging of several friends and retail store owners in Chestnut Hill,” Meadows says of the new position. “I am passionate about Chestnut Hill and its unique offerings. I believe Chestnut Hill is undergoing a major renaissance and I’m excited to be part of it.”

As a licensed real estate agent herself, Meadows says she is excited to build relationships with commercial property owners and real estate agents.

“My goal is to attract regional and national retailers, in addition to specialty restaurants that will continue to enhance the Chestnut Hill experience for residents, visitors and current business owners,” she said.

“We are excited to welcome Kathie as our new Retail Recruiter,” says Martha Sharkey, executive director of the Chestnut Hill Business District.. “The Retail Recruiter is critical to the continued growth and success of one of the region’s most beloved neighborhoods and Kathie’s background and passion make her a great fit for this dynamic position.”