Napa Valley's Most Intriguing 2025: Meet the Residents Shaping the Community's Story Page 2 of 5
Supporting Napa Valley has been a passion built on relationships with students, families, and staff. Reflecting on work with families from entry into the district to young adult transition, Ricetti noted, “The rewards of watching students grow over these years are immeasurable. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing students accomplish goals or meeting them later as young adults. It is the connectedness of this community that makes it truly wonderful.”
Photo courtesy of Todd C. Zapolski
Todd Zapolski led the reinvention of First Street Napa, curating a downtown district that stitches together fashion, tasting rooms, public art, and independent restaurants. He talks in pragmatic terms about small-city revitalization: tenant mix, storefront design standards, seasonal programming, and the math of bringing national brands alongside beloved locals.
“Most of my real estate career has been to lead change and create value,” said Zapolski, describing a mindset that’s been put to the test in downtown Napa. Since taking on the First Street Napa project, he’s faced a series of extraordinary hurdles: an earthquake, flooding, two historic wildfires, a global pandemic, and a tripling of interest rates. “The project has been a test of resilience,” he reflects.
Still, the vision has held. Today, First Street Napa is more than a commercial development—it’s a dynamic, people-centered district designed to invite exploration. Zapolski has prioritized flexible spaces that can adapt to evolving retail and hospitality trends, creating opportunities for pop-ups, seasonal activations, and community gatherings. The tenant mix is just as intentional: a curated blend of independent boutiques, art galleries, locally loved restaurants, and national brands—all tailored to reflect the spirit of Napa while appealing to a broader audience.
“First Street Napa has had as a goal to be a diverse collective of tenants that serve the local community and are an attraction for the visitor,” he explains. That balance—between local charm and broader appeal—is core to his strategy. For Zapolski, success isn’t measured just by how many people show up but by who stays, who returns, and how well the space supports both commerce and community.
Zapolski also sees First Street Napa as a vital part of a broader ecosystem helping to make downtown Napa as memorable and dynamic as the region itself. “Being based in Raleigh on the East Coast and Napa on the West Coast gives us a unique perspective to balance markets and trends,” he says. That bi-coastal view shapes both tenant mix and long-term strategy, blending national insight with Napa-specific nuance.
For city leaders and developers, Zapolski’s approach offers a compelling case study in how placemaking and patient capital can transform a downtown through vision, adaptability, and long-term commitment.
Photo courtesy of Linsey Gallagher
Linsey Gallagher leads the region’s official destination marketing organization with a mission that extends well beyond attracting visitors. Under her leadership, Visit Napa Valley works to balance economic vitality with community well-being—ensuring that tourism continues to enhance, rather than strain, this special place residents and visitors love.
Gallagher’s approach to destination marketing blends creativity, strategy, and stewardship. She oversees global brand campaigns, research on traveler behavior, and partnerships that support local businesses throughout all five Napa Valley towns. By focusing on responsible growth, she champions initiatives that encourage car-light travel, promote the valley’s arts and cultural experiences, and inspire visitation during shoulder seasons to sustain year-round vitality.
“Tourism is the heartbeat of Napa Valley’s economy,” Gallagher says, “but our work is ultimately about quality of life—for residents, employees, and guests alike.”
Her data-driven outlook measures success in more than visitor counts: metrics like length of stay, guest spend, and visitor sentiment help paint a full picture of the valley’s tourism health. She’s also a strong advocate for workforce and housing solutions, recognizing that a thriving hospitality community depends on accessible transportation and affordable living options.