The Downtown Little Rock Partnership said Monday that its executive director, Sharon Priest, will retire at the end of January.
Priest, a former Arkansas secretary of state and mayor of Little Rock, has been executive director since 2003.
“Thank you to everyone who helps make the Downtown Little Rock Partnership such a viable organization,” she said in a news release. “Without our many members, city and county leadership and our amazing staff, none of this would be possible and I will miss all of you greatly.”
The partnership’s board of directors said it will begin the search for a new executive director “immediately.”
“For more than a decade, Sharon has served as our executive director and under her leadership, the Downtown Little Rock Partnership has helped facilitate tremendous growth for downtown,” Susie Smith, the board’s president, said. “Her guidance and expertise has been instrumental in the partnership’s success and set the bar high for the next director.”
After being named executive director, Priest reorganized the DLRP and moved its office to Capitol and Main. After commissioning a planning study and retreat, Priest placed economic development at the center of the DLRP’s efforts.
Working with the city and other stakeholders, Priest and DLRP spearheaded revitalization on Main Street. In 2011, the partnership held its first Food Truck Festival on Main Street. The DLRP also facilitated the MacArthur Park Group, which has led revitalization efforts for the park.
“Throughout my years in public service, one of the accomplishments I am most proud of is the many improvements to MacArthur Park,” Priest said. “I have enjoyed watching this beautiful area of our city become transformed into a vibrant place for all residents to enjoy.”
In 2010, Priest received the Merit Award from the American Institute of Architects Arkansas Chapter for her contributions to the architectural profession. She was the 2012 recipient of the Sandra Wilson Cherry Award for excellence in public service. She has also received the VISTA award from Little Rock Parks & Recreation for her work with MacArthur Park.
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