Release Date: Nov 12, 2024

National Landing BID Welcomes Madeline Long as Director of Marketing and Communications

Long Brings 20 Years of Communications Experience to the Region’s Fastest-Growing Market  

 WASHINGTON, DC, November 12, 2024 — The National Landing Business Improvement District (BID), which stewards one of the fastest-growing markets in the region, is proud to announce Madeline Long as Director of Marketing and Communications. Formerly the Director of Communications at the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Long will spearhead National Landing’s strategic communications and marketing initiatives that foster community engagement and promote the area as a leading destination for urban living and a hub for innovation, entertainment, and business. 

“Madeline’s impressive background in strategic communications, deep experience in cultural tourism, and personal connection to the region make her the perfect fit for this role,” said Tracy Sayegh Gabriel, President and CEO of the National Landing BID. “I’m confident that her passion for storytelling will continue to elevate National Landing’s profile as a vibrant, innovative community.” 

In her new role, Long will lead efforts to elevate the profile of National Landing and its remarkable growth and evolution as a major destination within the Metro region. Her work will advance the organization and the area’s brand and visual identity and develop communications campaigns to promote the BID’s ongoing projects, including the Crystal City to Reagan National Airport Multimodal Connection (CC2DCA), a multi-modal connection that increases pedestrian access by stitching together the airport and downtown National Landing; year-long community programming encompassing 150 events; and the delivery of new buildings, businesses and infrastructure that propel the area’s expansion.  

A seasoned strategic communications leader, Long brings nearly 20 years of experience across the public relations, arts, nonprofit, and city government sectors. She has led high-profile communications efforts for the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Steppenwolf Theatre Company and the Chicago Office of Tourism, crafting multifaceted brand strategies that garnered impactful coverage, fostered creative placemaking, and attracted diverse audiences. Recent highlights of Long’s work include spearheading marketing and communications for the City of Chicago’s large-scale festivals, events and public art initiatives in Millennium Park as part of the 20th Anniversary Season, at the Chicago Cultural Center, and in communities city-wide, expanding access to the arts. Additionally, she led communications strategy from groundbreaking to opening of the storied Steppenwolf Theatre’s $73M building campus expansion. Originally from Arlington, Virginia, Long has cultivated a broad media network throughout her career; she was a Fellow in Executive Arts Management at the John F. Kennedy Center and holds a B.A. from Boston College.  

“When I was presented with the opportunity to join the National Landing BID, I was immediately drawn to the chance to contribute to the area’s ongoing transformation,” said Long. “The opportunity to represent such a dynamic and fast-growing urban community, while reconnecting with my roots in the DMV, is truly exciting. I look forward to amplifying National Landing’s story and helping shape its future as a model of innovation.” 

The news comes at an exciting time for National Landing, which has recently experienced exponential growth, cultivating a balanced ecosystem of small businesses and Fortune 500 companies. In the last year, National Landing welcomed the opening of Amazon HQ2 and National Landing Water Park, along with more than 50 new retail businesses including a host of local eateries. In addition, National Landing is on pace to become a national leader in innovative multimodal transportation, with more than $4 billion in initiatives, including access to metro, bus rapid transit, protected bike lanes, commuter rail, Amtrak and a new pedestrian bridge to the airport, making it one of the most connected urban corridors in the country. 

To learn more about National Landing, please visit www.nationallanding.org. 

About National Landing Business Improvement District 

The National Landing Business Improvement District (BID) is a public-private partnership focused on enhancing the vibrancy and economic competitiveness of National Landing, a major urban center that spans Arlington’s Crystal City, Pentagon City, and Potomac Yard neighborhoods. As the largest walkable downtown in Virginia and a hub for innovation and tech, National Landing is set to become the fastest growing market in the DC region with $12B in public and private investments underway and a diverse and growing mix of businesses, residents, and visitors. The BID stewards the area’s remarkable transformation by fostering economic development, enhancing public spaces, and championing initiatives that promote sustainability, cultural engagement, and next generation mobility. Through strategic partnerships and community-driven programming, National Landing BID works to shape the area as a leading destination for business, technology, entertainment, and urban living. Learn more at www.nationallanding.org and follow at @nationallanding. 

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Media Contact:  

Hannah Correll 

hannah@thebrandguild.com 

828-358-7334