05/06/2026
Downtown Watertown Collective Announces First Ever Director
Watertown, SD — The Downtown Watertown Collective is pleased to announce the appointment of Raina Carter as its first Downtown Director. This role represents a collaborative partnership between downtown business owners, the Watertown Area Community Foundation, and the City of Watertown, working together to strengthen and enhance the vitality of the downtown district.
A lifelong member of the Watertown community, Carter brings both professional experience and personal passion to the role. Born and raised in Watertown, she is a graduate of Watertown High School and earned her bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Events, and Tourism Management from South Dakota State University. She is currently continuing her education at Lake Area Technical College.
“Raina embodies everything this role was designed to represent community connection, energy, and forward-thinking leadership,” said Megan Olson, Chair of the Downtown Watertown Collective. “Her roots in Watertown, combined with her background in hospitality and events, make her uniquely positioned to help elevate the downtown experience. We are confident she will bring fresh ideas, strong collaboration, and a deep sense of pride to this role.”
The Downtown Director position is designed to serve as a unifying force across organizations, businesses, and stakeholders, helping to drive economic vitality, coordinate events and programming, and enhance the overall downtown experience.
Carter shared her excitement about stepping into the role, stating, “Watertown has always been home to me. I am incredibly honored for the opportunity to give back to a community that has given me so much. I look forward to working alongside our downtown businesses, community partners, and residents to continue building a vibrant, welcoming, and thriving downtown.”
The Downtown Watertown Collective, in partnership with the Watertown Area Community Foundation and the City of Watertown, remains committed to investing in the long-term success of downtown through strategic collaboration, programming, and community engagement.
