Michael Trimble

Background

About Michael Trimble

Michael Trimble is an energetic and forward-thinking executive with a rich history of community involvement and leadership roles in San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter. Michael began his professional journey in the early 1990s, working with California's largest food and music festival, San Diego Street Scene, held in the streets of the Gaslamp Quarter. This experience ignited his passion for community engagement and led him to join the Gaslamp Quarter Association's Board of Directors in 1994. Michael's career includes 18 years as a director at American Express, where he managed relationships with some of the largest restaurant groups, sports teams, and performing arts organizations in downtown San Diego. This role honed his expertise in sales, marketing, and strategic partnerships, skills he brought to his subsequent work with the Gaslamp Quarter Association. Since joining the board, Michael has held numerous key positions, including Executive Board Vice Chairman, Marketing Chair, and Special Events Chair. In 2015, he was appointed Executive Director of the Gaslamp Quarter Association, where he continues to serve with dedication and vision. Under his leadership, the Association has successfully developed and implemented short- and long-term goals, fundraising initiatives, and financial strategies, ensuring the growth and vitality of the Gaslamp Quarter as San Diego’s premier shopping, dining, and entertainment district. Michael's tenure has been marked by notable achievements, such as the launch of the Gaslamp Promenade on Fifth Avenue in July 2023, a project designed to reclaim public space and create seven distinctive plazas for social connections, dining, and entertainment from K Street to Broadway. This Promenade is set to play a vital role in San Diego’s future as a world-class destination. As Executive Director, Michael oversees a diverse membership of approximately 400 businesses, serving as a liaison and advocate for the community with city officials, law enforcement, and other governmental agencies. He manages the fiscal health of the organization, produces multiple events, and drives marketing efforts to promote the Gaslamp Quarter to both local residents and visitors from around the world. Michael continues a legacy of public service begun by his father, Gerald Trimble, former President of the Center City Development Corporation for the City of San Diego in the early 1970s. Through his work, Michael remains committed to protecting and promoting the Gaslamp Quarter's historic charm while driving forward its growth and success.