The Downtown Franklin Association (DFA) is an organization that promotes and revitalizes the 150 unique places to explore in our historic core.

After 10 years of serving the Heritage Foundation – a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and preserving the architectural, geographic and cultural resources in Franklin and Williamson County – we are proud to announce that Kristy Williams will take over as the Main Street Program Director for the DFA!

To let you get to know Kristy a bit better, we’ve put together a quick Q&A. Learn more about her:

Kristy Williams

Kristy Williams

Q: How long have you worked at the Heritage Foundation, Kristy?
A: 10 years

Q: Before the Foundation, what were you doing?
A: I worked in banking for 19 years. I left Franklin National Bank to work for the Heritage Foundation.

Q: If you were to use three adjectives to describe the Franklin community, what would they would be?
A: Exciting, friendly, and unique

Q: Why have you worked with the Heritage Foundation for a decade?
A: I have been able learn, work with and meet wonderful people. Seeing this community step up to save the Franklin Theatre is just one of many examples of people making a difference here.

Q: In your opinion, what is it that makes downtown Franklin so special?
A: The character and charm of Historic Downtown Franklin. I love all of the shops and restaurants here along with the people that own and run them. It is my favorite place to enjoy everything from shopping, a meal, coffee, entertainment and a walk.

Q: Now to the personal stuff! What was your favorite decade (’70s, ’80s, ’90s … )?
A: The ’80s … 1880s that is!

Q: What’s your favorite Franklin event or festival?
A: I enjoy all the festivals in Downtown Franklin.  From the costume contest at Pumpkinfest to all the fun characters at Dickens … you are in for a treat!

Q: How do you unwind?
A: A great conversation with a friend, an afternoon nap, or a trip to the beach.

Q: What’s your favorite way to celebrate your birthday?
A: For my 50th birthday I rode a camel. … that was something fun and different!

Q: We hear you’re an animal person. Tell us about it.
A: My husband, Jeff, and I have always had dogs and currently have a Border Collie we rescued.  He has served as a therapy dog and been photographed and published in Lands’ End catalogue.

Q: What’s something people might not know about you?
A: I have almost 90 cousins!

Q: What other activities are you involved with?
A: A board member at Saddle Up!, and an advisory board member for the Franklin Farmers Market.

Q: Who is your favorite author?
A: Ernest Hemingway

We’re thrilled to have Kristy leading the downtown Franklin charge! If you want to welcome her personally, stop by our offices at 134 Second Avenue North.

Today, downtown Franklin is an oasis of Southern hospitality housed in a 16-block National Register district of antique shops, gift and book stores, restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, lovingly restored homes and more. It boasts an award-winning Main Street, a stunning collection of more than 150 buildings on the National Register and a host of “Best of“ accolades – including Garden & Gun magazine’s 2014 “Best Southern Town.” Learn more about downtown Franklin here.