Stanford tenders resignation as Main Street director
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Plans are for Main Street McMinnville director Amy-Jo Stanford’s resignation to take effect once the organization finds a new director, or else in August. Stanford added the office will continue to be open during regular hours throughout the summer.
Stanford, on the job for about a year after former director Dan Gray moved back to his native England to pursue opportunities there, said she plans to return to the Warren County school system as a teen living teacher after being informed she could not extend a one-year leave of absence.
Additionally, she said the move comes at a good time, as she is looking forward to spending time with her family.
“I hate to leave, but it was one of those situations where I needed to spend more time with my family,” she said Friday. “And then the school system told me that they wouldn’t extend my leave of absence any longer, so it sort of worked out at a good time for me.”
The move comes after city officials voted to fund Main Street’s forte, the massive downtown revitalization project, and also comes after officials announced plans to begin construction of phase one of that project early next year. Stanford said if asked, she will remain with the organization’s board of directors.
Main Street McMinnville board of directors president Keith Smartt could not immediately be reached Friday afternoon, but president-elect Rodney Boyd, who takes the leadership reigns in July, said he regretted Stanford’s departure but admired her desire to return to education.
He indicated there will be a search for a new director.
“It is important as incoming president to find a vibrant, personable and hard-working Main Street director that is committed to the Main Street vision,” Boyd said. “With construction slated to start in the downtown area early next year, it is essential we continue to build upon the reputation, momentum and growth that Main Street McMinnville has established.”