By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Cathy McDermott, who has led Rockford City Market from its inception into its standing as a Friday night destination, will retire and move into a part-time transitional role.
McDermott will be succeeded by Becca Bartels, who is now market engagement manager, as the next executive director of the nonprofit organization that runs the market.
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McDermott was a founding member of City Market when it began as a “farmers market on steroids” in 2010. It was an early initiative of Rock River Development Partnership, a nonprofit placemaking group founded in 2009 by former Mayor Larry Morrissey and SupplyCore President and CEO Peter Provenzano.
The market became a popular destination at State and Water streets in downtown on Friday nights, drawing more than 111,000 people during its peak season in 2019. It also helped support the creation of dozens of businesses, including 18 that went on to open brick-and-mortar storefronts after starting as vendors at the market.
“When we started this journey in 2009, I honestly had no idea of what I was getting into,” McDermott said in a statement. “It’s been an absolute pleasure to be a part of the important work that we’ve accomplished.”
A parking deck that was home to City Market in the early years was torn down in 2014 after damage to the structure. The city then helped fund the creation of a new surface lot and the outdoor pavilion in 2015. The North End Market, held on Saturdays during market season near North Main and Auburn streets, also debuted in 2015.
In 2018 and 2019 the buildings adjacent to Rockford City Market were renovated to house the Indoor City Market. That space is now home to Quixotic Bakery, Bop Bop Korean BBQ and Crust & Crumbles, as well as a commissary kitchen and two event spaces.
“I’ve learned so much through each of our developments, with many partners, organizations and individuals contributing along the way,” McDermott said. “Our work truly became my passion as I saw the impact of bringing the community together around supporting local food and businesses.”
The leadership transition is effective immediately. Bartels, who has been with the organization for five years, has been responsible for managing vendors for Rockford City Market and North End Market, as well as overseeing private events at the Indoor City Market. McDermott will continue in her role as a Rock River Development Partnership board member and as the treasurer of the Illinois Farmers Market Association.
“The past 15 years I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with great staff, board members, vendors, community leaders and local business, and I’m excited to pass the baton to Becca to shepherd the organization forward,” McDermott said.
This year’s market kicks off on May 17 and runs through Sept. 27. It is the 15th season of Rockford City Market.
“Cathy has certainly left an indelible mark on our community. Her leadership, attention to detail and tenacity helped to steer the organization through the start up and stabilization phases of the RRDP, our markets and facilities,” Provenzano said in a statement. “She has helped navigate through everything and brought us to where we are today. We are so grateful to her and this community owes her a great deal of gratitude.”
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas