Erin Curtis named CEO of Soda City Market
May 13, 2025
Soda City Market Announces Leadership Transition
Erin Curtis is no stranger to Columbia’s long-time Soda City Market. With a history of working with the Market since 2010 in its early days, Curtis is now leading a new era of the downtown Columbia tradition as its CEO and a co-owner.
With deep roots in the Market’s history and a vision for its continued success, Curtis is the ideal leader to guide Soda City Market into the future, says Emile DeFelice, the Market’s founder and original CEO.
“Erin helped me run my farm, Caw Caw Creek Pastured Pork, as well as the Market, so she knows the business inside and out – as a vendor, a Market staff member and manager,” DeFelice says. “Plus, she helped me create Mardi Gras Columbia and the Gervais Street Bridge Dinner. She is uniquely qualified to take over my duties as CEO.”
Curtis’s journey with Soda City Market has come full circle. She was initially involved in the Market’s earliest days when it operated at 711 Whaley. Later, she took on a leadership role as Director of Operations in 2016. Her work since then has been instrumental in structuring the market into the thriving business it is today.
Just last month, USA Today recognized Soda City Market as the #1 farmer’s market in the country. “We are really proud of this recognition, especially since it came as a direct result of the people who vote with their presence at the Market every Saturday,” Curtis says.
The Market draws an average of 200 vendors and 7,000 visitors each Saturday. Curtis says Soda City Market’s top priorities have always been its vendors and playing a part in making Columbia a better place to live.
“As a Market team, we understand that our responsibility is to create a frictionless experience for vendors to help them grow their business, then we step out of the way and let them shine,” Curtis says. “If you do that, all of the other positive things the Market brings to Columbia will happen, too.”
In addition to generating more than $7 million in taxable sales annually, the Market’s economic impact is reinforced by the 24 vendors that have transitioned to brick-and-mortar establishments.
Matt Kennell, president and CEO of the City Center Partnership, has worked closely with Curtis as the Market has expanded.
“Erin is the perfect choice to become CEO of the beloved Soda City Market,” says Kennell. “She has the experience, skill set, and most importantly the appreciation for community that makes the market so special. Our Main Street District family is delighted that she is taking on this important role as the Market continues to grow and prosper.”
Curtis’ diverse background has sharpened her skills as a community leader and strategic thinker. Her background includes time in the Peace Corps; a tenure at the U.S. State Department; the previous executive director of GrowCo, an economic development nonprofit in Columbia; and a current co-owner of a local trucking company.
The transition comes as Soda City Market continues to evolve as DeFelice moves into the role of President, ensuring that the Market remains a lasting institution for Columbia’s downtown scene. With a strong leadership team, low staff turnover, and a clear understanding of what makes the market special, DeFelice says Curtis’s move into this role sends a clear message that the Market is poised for sustainable growth.
“The critical ingredient in this business is trust,” DeFelice says. “Erin has earned my trust, the city’s trust, and most importantly, the vendors’ trust. Soda City Market is in good hands for many years to come.”
The Market’s success has played a crucial role in Columbia’s Main Street revitalization benefiting businesses, attracting tourism and fostering a sense of community. Under Curtis’ leadership, efforts will continue to solidify Soda City Market’s standing as a flagship destination for Columbia well into the future.
