TREY SHERWOOD, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF LARAMIE MAIN STREET ALLIANCE, HONORED WITH 2026 MARY MEANS LEADERSHIP AWARD
For Championing Preservation-Based Revitalization and Community Collaboration in Laramie, Wyoming
TULSA, OK, April 15, 2026 - Main Street America announced Trey Sherwood, Executive Director of the Laramie Main Street Alliance in Laramie, Wyoming, as the recipient of the 2026 Mary Means Leadership Award. This prestigious award is the organization’s top honor recognizing individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership in comprehensive preservation-based economic development and commercial district revitalization. The award highlights the impact of exceptional leaders and amplifies the critical role they play in shaping the Main Street movement.
The 2026 Mary Means Leadership Award was presented at the closing plenary of the Main Street Now Conference.
Nominated by colleagues and selected by a national jury, Sherwood is being recognized for her visionary leadership and longstanding commitment to community-driven revitalization in downtown Laramie. Over the past 16 years, she has guided the Laramie Main Street Alliance in strengthening partnerships, fostering entrepreneurship, preserving historic buildings, and cultivating a vibrant downtown that reflects the creativity and character of the modern West.
“Trey Sherwood exemplifies the kind of leadership the Mary Means Award was created to celebrate,” said Erin Barnes, President and CEO of Main Street America. “Through collaboration, creativity, and an unwavering belief in the power of community, Trey has helped transform downtown Laramie into a thriving hub for entrepreneurs, artists, and residents while preserving the historic character that makes the district so special.”
Since becoming director, Sherwood has expanded the Laramie Main Street Alliance into a dynamic organization with seven professional staff members and a large network of engaged volunteers and community partners. Together, they support nearly 300 downtown businesses through façade grants, business support services, public art initiatives, and events that bring residents and visitors together.
Sherwood’s leadership has helped advance innovative partnerships with the City of Laramie, the Wyoming Business Council, the University of Wyoming, and numerous community organizations. These collaborations have supported projects ranging from downtown redevelopment efforts and public art planning to entrepreneurial programs that channel new investment into the historic district.
Her work has also strengthened Laramie’s creative economy. Through initiatives such as the award-winning Laramie Mural Project and the development of the city’s first Public Art Plan, Sherwood has helped elevate local artists and transform public spaces throughout downtown. At the same time, her commitment to historic preservation has supported hundreds of building rehabilitation projects that retain Laramie’s distinctive architectural character while creating new opportunities for housing, small businesses, and community gathering spaces.
Sherwood’s impact extends beyond downtown Laramie through her service as a member of the Wyoming House of Representatives, where she continues to advocate for economic development and community vitality across the state.
“Community building is a team sport, and I have the great pleasure of working with Wyoming’s most dedicated change makers,” said Sherwood. “I owe every success to the ‘can do’ attitude of my talented team, the generosity of my board mentors, the entrepreneurs who ask for help, and the collaborators who say ‘yes’ before hearing the pitch. I will be forever grateful to Main Street for giving me a platform to learn, grow, and serve my community.”
“Community building is a team sport, and I have the great pleasure of working with Wyoming's most dedicated change makers,” said Sherwood. “I owe every success to the ‘can do’ attitude of my talented team, the generosity of my board mentors, the entrepreneurs who ask for help, and the collaborators who say ‘yes’ before hearing the pitch. I will be forever grateful to Main Street for giving me a platform to learn, grow, and serve my community.”
ABOUT THE MARY MEANS LEADERSHIP AWARD Introduced in 2019 and named after Main Street America’s founder, the Mary Means Leadership Award celebrates outstanding preservation-based commercial district revitalization leaders and highlights the critical role their leadership plays in shaping the Main Street movement. Recipients are selected by a jury of peers, previous winners, state coordinators, Main Street America board members and staff, and Mary Means, and are recognized annually at the Main Street Now Conference.
ABOUT MAIN STREET AMERICA
Main Street America leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. For more than 40 years, Main Street America has provided a practical, adaptable framework for community-driven revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Today, the network includes more than 1,600 communities across the country working to build stronger places through preservation-based economic development.
ABOUT LARAMIE MAIN STREET ALLIANCE
Laramie Main Street Alliance strives to preserve historic Downtown Laramie while enhancing its economic and social vitality.
Laramie Main Street Alliance is a Great American Main Street award winner, an accredited member of Main Street America, and Wyoming Main Street–a program of the Wyoming Business Council. For more information, visit laramiemainstreet.org.