HARTFORD – Lauren Coakley Vincent, president and CEO of Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) and Elizabeth Donius, executive director, Westville Village Renaissance Alliance in New Haven are the Connecticut Main Street Center (CMSC) 2026 annual award winners.
Coakley Vincent is the recipient of the Quentin Williams Downtown Hero Award and Donius is the recipient of this year’s Founder’s Award. Both will be recognized at CMSC’s State of Main event on June 16 in downtown Torrington at the Warner Theatre.
Quentin Williams Downtown Hero Award
Established in 2023, the Downtown Hero Award honors the legacy of the late state Rep. Quentin “Q” Williams — an advocate for Connecticut’s downtowns. The award recognizes leaders who put into practice his commitment to collaboration, inclusivity, and community-driven revitalization.
CMSC chose Coakley Vincent for her transformative leadership in Downtown Bridgeport. Through many initiatives, such as the inclusive Colorful Bridgeport content series, she has elevated local voices, supported small businesses, and created vibrant, welcoming experiences that celebrate the city’s diversity and creativity, according to a CMSC press release.
“Lauren represents everything this award was created to recognize,” said Michelle McCabe, CMSC executive director. “She leads with authenticity, builds genuine partnerships, and consistently ensures that community voices are not just heard, but centered, in the work.
“Lauren is both passionate about elevating Bridgeport’s downtown and compassionate about the residents who will be using and enjoying these spaces. She invites everyone to the table while ensuring forward progress continues even when that work takes time.”
Reflecting on her work, Coakley Vincent credits Bridgeport’s deep well of talent and her many partners and collaborators.
“The most enriching component of my work is that it is based in collaboration and partnership with the community members of Downtown Bridgeport,” she said. “The single thing that makes me most proud is that everything Colorful Bridgeport produces is locally sourced and made in Bridgeport — from the artists and entrepreneurs to the print shop.”
Founder’s Award
The Founder’s Award recognizes individuals and organizations that champion a comprehensive, strategic approach to revitalizing historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.
CMSC named Donius as the 2026 recipient for her outstanding leadership in Westville Village and her deep commitment to Main Street principles. As one of only three programs in the state to be accredited by the national Main Street America organization, Donius consistently demonstrates to communities around Connecticut what high performing main street managers can accomplish, CMSC stated.
“Lizzy exemplifies what it means to be a Main Street leader in today’s environment,” McCabe said. “She blends creativity with strategy, ensuring that Westville is not only vibrant today but positioned for long-term success. Her ability to cultivate partnerships, stay ahead of national best practices, and maintain Main Street America designation speaks to both her dedication and expertise. She has helped make Westville a model for how arts, culture, and community engagement can drive economic growth.”
When speaking about her accomplishments, Donius acknowledges the role of community connection in making Westville a uniquely vibrant neighborhood.
“Creativity and strong community spirit is Westville’s superpower, and it has also been its growth engine,” she said, “attracting vintage shops, cafés, and arts-related businesses that have made Westville a destination. Our ongoing work with the New Haven Parking Authority and the City of New Haven to develop a Central Square reflects the critical role Westville plays in the civic life of our community.”
CMSC celebrates both honorees as leaders who embody the strength, innovation, and collaborative spirit driving Connecticut’s downtowns forward.
