When Carrie Paske walks through the streets of Downtown Kirkwood, she doesn’t just see storefronts and sidewalks: she sees community. As the executive director of the Downtown Kirkwood Special Business District (SBD), she has become the driving force behind the city’s most beloved traditions, while also pushing for fresh ideas that keep Downtown Kirkwood vibrant and inclusive. Her story of becoming one of the community’s most prominent leaders is an impressive journey that began on an academic pathway, took a turn involving the family business, and included starting a family and wanting to be home for dinner.
Carrie’s credentials are formidable: an undergraduate degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice, a master’s degree in Public Administration, a PhD in Urban Planning and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois in Chicago, and teaching experience as a full-time professor at St. Louis University (SLU) for five years. Her passion for community development took her from organizational assessments for St. Louis-area agencies to leading student trips to East Africa (Kenya and Rwanda) to study international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). A series of health incidents brought her back to Kirkwood to manage Sunset 44, the iconic restaurant her family has owned since 1985. “I didn’t plan to stay,” she admitted. “But 10 years later, I realized this was where I belonged.”
As the restaurant’s manager, Carrie began organizing events to foster a stronger sense of community. "I wanted to bring people together," she explained. It wasn’t long until she was invited to join the Special Business District Advisory Committee.
While serving on the SBD hiring committee for a new executive director, Carrie casually mentioned to the committee that Joe, her husband, asked her why she wasn’t applying for the job; it seemed like a perfect fit, and she could be home for family dinners with their toddler son, Barrett. That conversation quickly pivoted to, “What can we do to get you to apply for the job?”
Carrie realized the executive director role was a perfect fit, blending her decade of community engagement experience from the restaurant with her urban planning. “I know this community, I know events, and I know how cities thrive,” Carrie said. “This is the perfect bridge.”
Her leadership has already expanded Kirkwood’s signature events. The Wine Walk, once capped at 600 attendees, drew 800 this year. The Farmers’ Market added outdoor vendors and launched its first night market, complete with live music and 35 vendors. “I want to grow things, make them more inclusive, and bring more people downtown,” Carrie said.
"People want to be engaged and involved right now; they crave it," she observed. "My office is the perfect space for them to say, 'Hey, can we do this?' And if I can't help you, I know who to tell you to go to.”
Carrie also places a strong emphasis on the arts and beautification. She brought together the Heartland Art Club and the Arts Commission—two organizations that hadn't previously collaborated—and is working to launch a new arts event in the coming year. She also continually looks for ways to make Downtown Kirkwood more visually vibrant. As part of that vision, the SBD Commission sought new members who could help advance it, including Trevor Collis, owner of Electric Unicorn.
Carrie also partners with organizations beyond her district's 19 blocks, including the Kirkwood Historical Society, the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center, Parks and Recreation, and the Kirkwood Public Library, believing that collaboration strengthens everyone.
The year 2026 promises to be a landmark one for Kirkwood. The Farmer’s Market turns 50, the Library celebrates its centennial, and the city will honor multiple anniversaries with banners, events, and collaborations across organizations.
“I just want to take what we have and make it better known,” Carrie said. “Kirkwood has arts, history, food, and community; let’s celebrate them together.”
Attending city department head meetings is the "coolest part of my job," Carrie said, as it allows her to have conversations with and forge vital partnerships with all of the city’s diverse departments. She acknowledged, "We need to stick together and keep our momentum going. I feel like that's how our city will thrive.”
Carrie’s vision for Kirkwood is clear: elevate what exists, experiment with new ideas, and strengthen community ties. She’s determined to make Downtown Kirkwood a destination that feels both timeless and fresh: one event, one partnership, and one business at a time.
ELECTRIC UNICORN
Tucked inside an eclectic yet inviting loft space at 108 N Kirkwood Rd, Electric Unicorn Tattoo Studio offers custom, appointment-only tattoos crafted with intention and artistry. Owner Trevor Collis brings more than 32 years of tattoo experience to the studio, backed by a BFA in Illustration and early work at St. Louis’s Iron Age, where he began tattooing in 2002.
Electric Unicorn celebrated six years in Kirkwood in December 2025, continuing to build a reputation for thoughtful design, technical excellence, and a personalized client experience.
View Trevor’s work on Instagram @electricunicorn. To learn more or book an appointment, visit @electricunicorn_tattoo_studio on Instagram or electricunicorntattoo.com.
For more information, visit downtownkirkwood.com.
“Kirkwood has arts, history, food, and community; let’s celebrate them together.”
“I just want to take what we have and make it better known. I feel like that's how our city will thrive.”