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Abdul-Kaba Abdullah will leave his position as the city of Berkeley’s city manager to become executive director of Park Central Development. The organization promotes entertainment districts such as the Grove in Forest Park Southeast and the Central West End.

“Mr. Abdullah is a proven professional,� Park Central board chair Brian Phillips said in a statement. “His skills set is the perfect fit to help guide the Park Central team.�

Before heading Berkeley’s administration, Abdullah worked for local nonprofit organization Better Family Life and St. Louis’ Affordable Housing Commission.

Abdullah is a St. Louis native and lives in the city with his wife and three children.

He replaces , who led the organization for four years as areas such as the Grove underwent rapid redevelopment. Goedeker left in March to head working to improve the area surrounding its campus. Park Central is an outgrowth of Washington University Medical Center Redevelopment Corp., an organization similar to SLU’s new redevelopment corporation. Washington University’s group has spent decades promoting development around its medical campus; SLU is aiming to replicate the effort in midtown.

Park Central has recently branched out and offers management to special taxing districts around the city. For instance, and now helps manage the special taxing district manage revenue meant for public safety, marketing and beautification.