Naples, Fl (April 11, 2023) – The Board of the Fifth Avenue South Business Improvement District (BID) is pleased to announce that Meg Stepanian has been named the BID’s new Executive Director.

A highly experienced marketing and communications professional with decades of experience in the hospitality, advertising agency, and broadcast media industries, Stepanian most recently served as director of membership and marketing for the Estero Country Club where her leadership contributions improved the value of the brand and experience offered to its members.

Known for blending analytical and creative disciplines, Stepanian will add significant depth to the BID’s marketing, public relations and events initiatives, according to Chris Shucart, President of the BID Board of Directors.

“I am passionate about creating strategies that drive sales and success within an organization, and I look forward to putting my years of experience to work for the BID. I’m very excited to be a part of one of the most iconic brands in the nation and internationally,” says Stepanian.

Previously, Stepanian was also the head of membership and marketing for The Venice Golf and Country Club. Prior to that, she owned her own communications company, where she managed branding, advertising, and media relations efforts for dozens of clients for more than 13 years. Her work was recognized nationally for her creativity.

Earlier in her career, she was an account executive for a CBS affiliate in Syracuse, NY, receiving national recognition for her ability to leverage co-op advertising programs that catapulted results for her clients. Additional career highlights include a decade of work driving the profitability of 1600 restaurants that are part of a national brand.

A resident of Naples since 2004, Stepanian is most proud of her volunteer contributions to the Paradise Reef Project, helping to fund and deploy 37 artificial reefs off the coast of Naples following the BP oil spill in 2009. She has also served on the board of United Way of Collier County and is currently on the board of Membership Directors of SWFL. Her passions are small business incubation and development, as well as affordable housing for employees, food insecurity and homelessness in SWFL.

“After an extensive search, we are so pleased to have Meg on board and to have found someone whose vast experience mirrors the role and responsibilities required of the BID’s executive director. She will be critical in helping our Board and our members prepare for the second centennial of our great city and guide us as we continue to elevate the Fifth Avenue South brand, we all know and love,” says Shucart.