Creative Placemaking & Economic Development Strategist
Hannah Rechtschaffen is an award-winning leader and community builder with over a decade of experience guiding transformative projects at the intersection of creative placemaking, economic development, and stakeholder engagement. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Greenfield Business Association (GBA), leading a dynamic transformation of the organization at a pivotal moment in its evolution.
Hannah brings strategic vision, inclusive leadership, and boundless energy to her work strengthening the Greenfield business ecosystem. Since stepping into the role, Hannah has advanced the GBA’s visibility, connectivity, and impact—launching new networking opportunities, forging vital partnerships, and catalyzing a renewed sense of pride and possibility in Greenfield’s commercial districts. Her work is rooted in an unwavering belief that vibrant local economies are built on trust, creativity, and community input.
A graduate of Drexel University’s renowned Arts Administration program and Oberlin College, Hannah is known for building connective tissue across sectors—aligning public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders around bold, actionable ideas. Her work spans real estate development, downtown revitalization, cultural planning, and brand transformation—most recently as Director of Placemaking & Special Projects at W.D. Cowls, where she led innovative commercial development efforts in the greater Amherst area, and previously at the Lindy Institute for Urban Innovation in Philadelphia, where she leveraged creative solutions in urban design and civic engagement.
Under her leadership, the GBA has expanded its reach through creative marketing, volunteer engagement, public-private collaborations, and the establishment of a new nonprofit arm, Blooming Greenfield, focused on downtown beautification and seasonal activation. Whether organizing citywide events, advocating for the business sector writ large, or stewarding economic resilience initiatives, Hannah is redefining what a 21st-century business association can and should be.
Hannah joins Norm on this episode of Bottom-Up Shorts to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities that Greenfield faces and how it’s becoming a stronger town.
February 14, 2025 | Terrazza Restaurant, Greenfield, MA
In 2025 the GBA brought on board a team of interns from Greenfield Community College to help take the GBA to the next level. These interns have taken on a dizzying array of tasks from social media outreach and website upgrades, to research and event planning, and did not skip a beat rising to the occasion. This team of skilled interns is really making a difference at the GBA, meet them below!
Hi, I’m Mila! I’m a business student at Greenfield Community College, focusing on marketing. I love learning how businesses grow and connect with people, and I’m especially interested in the creative side of marketing. Hands-on projects are my favorite, and I’m always looking for opportunities to gain experience, collaborate with others, and develop innovative strategies that make an impact.
I am currently studying business & marketing at Greenfield community college. I'm interested in business because I've always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and each and every small business impacts our economy and brings innovative, new ideas to light. I've always been striving to make positive change in the world and I think starting where I'm at is the best way. I'm looking forward to working with the GBA to promote our local businesses, and promote kindness in our community.
Zach is a dual-enrolled student at Greenfield Community College, studying computer science. He also runs The Massachusetts Project, a YouTube channel where he tries to visit every town in Massachusetts and make a video on it. At the GBA, he does work with both data and marketing. Ultimately, he plans on focusing on one of these for a future career, and is excited to have the opportunity to explore both options at GBA.
Audra is a dedicated student at Greenfield Community College, balancing her studies with the demands of motherhood. Alongside her academic work, she plays a key role in supporting the Greenfield Business Association through her administrative expertise. Audra’s ability to juggle her responsibilities with grace and efficiency reflects her strong work ethic and commitment to both her family and community.
Jay Adan is an art student at Greenfield Community College with a passion for creativity. A former special effects artist, he spent a decade in marketing and PR, honing his skills in visual communication and branding. As a business owner in Greenfield for over 20 years, Jay brings a wealth of experience in both the creative and entrepreneurial worlds, blending artistic vision with real-world expertise.