Hidden Gems: Meet Lacey Filkins of Experience Mount Vernon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lacey Filkins.

Lacey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My path to where I am today has been a mix of community, a background in higher education, and a deep love for Mount Vernon. I’ve always believed that strong communities are built when people feel connected to the place they live, and much of my work has centered around that idea.

When the opportunity arose to serve as Executive Director of Experience Mount Vernon, I saw it as a chance to merge my skills in community-building with my love for Mount Vernon. Since stepping into the role, I’ve worked alongside dedicated volunteers, business owners, and partners to create events and initiatives that bring people together and foster pride of place. It hasn’t always been easy, but every step—from coordinating large-scale downtown events to supporting local businesses—has reinforced my belief that Mount Vernon is a special place worth investing in.

Today, I’m proud that our work is not only enhancing downtown but also strengthening connections among neighbors. The journey has been about listening, adapting, and continually finding creative ways to celebrate our community’s past while building for its future.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. Even though I’ve lived in Knox County for more than 12 years, I sometimes felt like an outsider stepping into this role. Building trust and credibility took time. I had to intentionally focus on capacity building—getting to know business owners, working with City Council, and building strong partnerships with organizations and individuals who care about downtown.

Another challenge has been the sheer scope of the work. Revitalizing and promoting a downtown district means balancing a lot of moving parts, from large-scale events to day-to-day tasks to long-term planning. There are also the natural challenges of limited resources, both financial and human. But every obstacle has also been an opportunity to strengthen relationships and think creatively about solutions.

I’ve learned that progress rarely comes in straight lines. The bumps in the road have taught me patience, persistence, and the importance of collaboration. What has made the journey worthwhile is seeing how those early conversations and efforts to build trust have grown into a strong, supportive network that continues to move Mount Vernon forward.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Experience Mount Vernon?
Experience Mount Vernon is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that fosters a vibrant downtown through meaningful community experiences. We work to create a vibrant, welcoming space where residents, businesses, and visitors all feel a sense of pride and connection. Our work falls into three main areas: supporting local businesses, organizing community events, and leading downtown public space enhancement projects.

We’re probably best known for our signature events—like the First Friday, the Johnny Appleseed Fall Festival, and the Annual Holiday Parade—that draw thousands of people downtown each year. These events aren’t just about entertainment; they’re about creating shared experiences that make people feel invested in Mount Vernon. At the same time, we’re equally focused on the quieter, behind-the-scenes work: advocating for small businesses, working with the city to improve public spaces, and fostering collaborations that strengthen the local economy.

What sets Experience Mount Vernon apart is that we act as a connector. We bring together business owners, city leaders, volunteers, and community members to create a collective vision for downtown. Our “brand” is about building community pride and demonstrating that downtown is the heart of Mount Vernon and Knox County.

I’m especially proud that we’ve built a recognizable identity; when people hear “Experience Mount Vernon,” they think of energy, vibrancy, and momentum. We want readers to know that whether you’re here to shop, eat, attend an event, or just stroll our historic streets, downtown Mount Vernon has something for you—and we’re working every day to make that experience even better.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest piece of advice is to give yourself permission to learn as you go. When I stepped into nonprofit leadership, I quickly realized that no one has all the answers on day one. What makes the difference is your willingness to listen, build relationships, and stay adaptable.

Coming from a background in higher education, I discovered that many of the skills I had developed, like communication, collaboration, and program management, were highly transferable. At the same time, I had to learn entirely new skills around fundraising, nonprofit governance, and community development. I wish I had known earlier that it’s okay not to be the expert in everything, as long as you surround yourself with good people and approach the work with curiosity and humility.

For anyone starting out, especially in nonprofit work, I’d encourage you to focus on building trust and relationships first. The projects, events, and initiatives will all come, but they’re only successful if you have a foundation of strong connections and a shared purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.experiencemv.org
• Instagram: @experiencemountvernon
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExperienceMountVernon/