Emily is Director of Placemaking and Experience at Gateway Jax, where she leads the integration of arts, culture, and community-driven programming across the company’s downtown redevelopment projects. Her work focuses on shaping vibrant mixed-use districts through public space activation, cultural partnerships, and experiences that foster local identity and economic vitality.

With more than 20 years of experience in creative placemaking, Moody specializes in connecting culture and commerce to neighborhood revitalization. She has led the development of community-driven initiatives such as the Phoenix Arts & Innovation District (PHXJAX) and has helped shape Downtown Jacksonville’s cultural landscape through projects including the concept shop Wolf & Cub and Little Alley Shows, a pop-up concert series that transforms unexpected spaces into intimate live music venues. Her work also includes producing public art programs, markets, experiential retail and hospitality concepts, and cultural activations that turn under appreciated spaces into vibrant community destinations.

Prior to her work in district-scale placemaking, Moody was part of the team at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, where she advanced community engagement through innovative arts programming and partnerships that connected the museum more deeply with the broader public.

She currently serves on the boards of Friends of PHXJAX and the Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council (SPAR).