As the Events Coordinator for the City of Suwanee, Kim Towne is certainly a familiar face around town and a major presence at all of Suwanee’s outdoor city events. Towne is a respected community member and loving mother who is passionate about her children, the Girl and Boy Scouts of America, and the community she loves.
What inspired you or led you to your current career?
I have always been interested in leadership development and event planning. I moved to Atlanta in 1997 from Ohio with a Master’s in Higher Education Administration to work for a nonprofit college honor society. I traveled to dozens of campuses and was also responsible for publications, conference planning, and leadership retreats. At home, I was very involved in volunteering for the Suwanee Fest committee, so when the opportunity arose to work for the City, I jumped at the chance.
What is your favorite restaurant in Suwanee and what do you love there?
We don’t go out to eat a lot, but I would say our favorite hangout is StillFire Brewing. We like to play Music Bingo on Thursdays! They really define the downtown area quite a bit.
How long have you worked or lived in Suwanee?
We have been in Suwanee since 2004.
What has kept you here?
My kids and our involvement in the community. I am passionate about Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and we have chartered three troops. Our boys’ BSA troop is the only one in Suwanee, and our all-girls’ BSA troop was one of the first in the entire country. Both of my kids made most of their friends through those programs. They are both Eagle Scouts, and my daughter recently also earned the Girl Scout Gold Award with a mural project at PlayTown Suwanee. I am proud of the legacy we started here, providing Scouting and leadership opportunities that dozens of families would not have had otherwise.
How big is your family?
My husband, son, and daughter. My kids are truly amazing!
Who is the most interesting person you’ve met in Suwanee?
Adam Edge, who was our Downtown Business Development Manager. He was gregarious, funny, and had a great life story that was inspirational.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I have always been drawn to Italy. I studied Latin in high school and would love to see some of that history in person. But Italy will have to wait. I am going to London, Paris, and Switzerland next summer with a large group of Girl Scouts instead!
What is the first movie you remember seeing in a theater?
Bambi. It was traumatic!
What advice would you give a crowd of people?
My daughter would say that I would announce: “Thanks for coming, thanks to our Police and Public Works Departments, and please pick up your trash!” since that’s what I say at Suwanee events when addressing a crowd [laughs]. Seriously, though, I would quote Maya Angelou: “Do the best you can do until you know better; then when you know better, do better.”
What is something on your bucket list?
To not kick it! I have so much more I want to explore and learn!
If you could take anyone to lunch (dead or alive) who would that be and where would you go?
My paternal grandfather who died in a car accident just before I was born. My dad (his son) is an amazing cook, so I would love for him to be able to cook for us.
What is your favorite music? Name three bands you would like to see.
For a while, I’d say cheesy ’70s singer-songwriters and then ’90s hip-hop. Now, I love Motown, which I discovered through hip-hop mostly, Jimmy Buffett, and I also enjoy orchestral music.
What local business makes you the most nostalgic about Suwanee?
It was Dillard’s BBQ, which is no longer. What’s better than drive-thru BBQ? It was always a requested stop for our out-of-town guests.
What is your favorite thing about Suwanee?
I love that our family knows so many faces wherever we go. My daughter refers to our mayor as “Jimmy” and has been to his house. That level of familiarity is not very common in most cities!
Would you rather speak to a crowd of 500 or sing to a crowd of 50?
Speak, definitely. I do it all the time!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I am not really sure, but I would love to travel again.
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
The way I learned to drive a stick shift: Twenty years ago, while on a business trip, I spotted my dream car in a lot. I ran inside and immediately put down a deposit. The salesperson asked if I wanted a test drive, but I didn’t know how! I quickly learned on the drive home from Tampa. It was a ’97 green Miata and I still enjoy it.
