Meet the Board 2026
Meet the Staff
Patti Noriega, Executive Director
With experience as a local business owner and a passion for helping communities grow, Patti brings a firsthand understanding of the opportunities and challenges that come with running a small business. Through her work with small businesses and nonprofit organizations, she has developed a practical understanding of the support that helps them succeed. Patti enjoys bringing people together, building partnerships, and turning ideas into action. In her role with Main Street, she works alongside business owners, property owners, volunteers, and community partners to strengthen downtown Junction City. She believes a thriving downtown creates opportunities for local businesses while giving residents and visitors a place to connect. Patti is excited to build on the work already underway and help shape a downtown that reflects the energy and character of Junction City.
Patti started as Executive Director on September 21, 2026. You can find her in the Junction City Main Street office at 129 W 7th Street or out and about in Downtown JC, getting to know the businesses, organizations, and people who make our downtown special.
Makena Krause, Marketing & Community Outreach Coordinator
Since settling in Junction City in July 2023 as a military spouse, Makena has fallen in love with every aspect of Kansas. Prior to her move, she worked as a Forestry Technician in Northern California, practicing sustainable natural resource management and supporting outreach efforts between the logging industry and local communities.
Today, through her work with Junction City Main Street, Makena coordinates community outreach opportunities and works alongside local businesses to keep the district welcoming and vibrant. Seeing firsthand the impact of investing in downtown inspired Makena and her family to open Flint & Vine, a family-owned wine bar that welcomed its first guests in April 2026.
You can find Makena at the Main Street office (129 W 7th St.) Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10AM to 3PM, or out and about downtown sharing the story of JC on social media. Habla español y disfruta conectando con miembros de la comunidad de todos los orígenes.
