Meet the Team at Downtown Eau Claire, Inc.
The staff of Downtown Eau Claire, Inc. (DECI) is dedicated to building a vibrant, thriving, and connected downtown community. Each team member brings their own expertise and passion to supporting local businesses, organizing community events, and driving initiatives that strengthen Eau Claire’s economic and cultural heartbeat. Together, they work to ensure downtown continues to grow as a destination where people can live, work, and play, while preserving the character and creativity that make Eau Claire unique.
Erin Klaus
Executive Director
Erin has been a driving force for the growth for over seventeen years, when she moved her business, Tangled Up in Hue, to S. Barstow. Since setting her roots in, she has chaired the S. Barstow BID, where she established programs like, the lighting of the trees, the music program, and many more. She continues to support and drive positive change now by supporting those programs and new ones by continuing a strong partnership between the BIDs and DECI. In 2025 she was recognized for being a champion of Eau Claire by receiving a Chippewa Valley Vanguard Award. Erin's passion is clear and she continues to support the vibrancy of our community with her work at DECI.
Kate Felton
Civic & Strategic Communications
Kate has called Eau Claire her home since 2010. After a career in local and state policy advocacy as a community organizer and Eau Claire City Council member, she opened her business, Eau Claire Outdoors in Downtown Eau Claire. As a member of Downtown Eau Claire, Inc. and a longtime supporter, she’s thrilled to join the DECI team as the Civic and Strategic Communications Coordinator!