Five Points Association names Kelsey Desender as Executive Director
May 28, 2019
The Five Points Association announced Kelsey Desender has been named Executive Director. Desender takes over for her predecessor of six years, Amy Beth Franks, who remains an active part of the community as the new owner of the Gourmet Shop.
Under the direction of the Five Points Association Board of Directors, Desender will be responsible for: management of the association office and staff, financial performance and viability, membership engagement, neighborhood-wide marketing and promotions, economic development, beautification and safety efforts. Her notable network and unique blend of experience and knowledge in the corporate, non-profit, and academia realms will be invaluable to ensuring that Five Points remains an integral district in the City of Columbia.
Growing up here, working at Saluda’s Restaurant while attending the University of South Carolina, and settling in Chapin with her husband, Anthony, Desender is no stranger to Columbia or Five Points, and neither is her passion for all things Soda City. After graduating from the Darla Moore School of Business with a double-major in Business Management and Marketing, Desender enhanced a strong educational foundation as a diversified marketing professional, capitalizing on all opportunities to develop strong skills in both areas.
With a background in overseeing the day-to-day marketing operations of esteemed companies like Spirit Communications (SEGRA) and South State Bank, Desender also maintains a prominent involvement in her community. From committee member to board chair, Desender has served the Midlands in an immense capacity for organizations including; EdVenture, American Heart Association, Habitat for Humanity, the Columbia Chamber, and the Darla Moore School of Business Young Alumni Board.
A soon-to-be graduate of Leadership Columbia’s Class of 2019, Desender has also been named Columbia’s Best & Brightest Under 35 by Columbia Business Monthly.
“I have spent my career striving to exceed what was expected in the office, while building a network of relationships, continually learning and giving back to the community I love. I could not be more thrilled to have the opportunity to fuse this all together, in one role, in Columbia’s Original Village Neighborhood as the new Executive Director of the Five Points Association.”
Desender’s first day with the Association was Tuesday, May 28.
