SALISBURY — Downtown Salisbury Inc. announced today the resignation of Executive Director Randy Hemann effective April 30.
Hemann is leaving DSI to become the new city manager in Oxford the next day.
In a statement given to the DSI board, Hemann said:
“Sixteen years ago, I was given the opportunity to join a team and help change a community. Together at DSI we created and implemented two master plans, completed numerous development projects, recruited great businesses and built a successful series of events and promotions.
“What we have achieved as a team has been wonderful, even more wonderful have been the friendships and the fun we had along the way.”
Over 16 years, Hemann led efforts that created more than $70 million of the $120 million that has been invested in the downtown.
He was part of a leadership group recognizing the future of the Salisbury economy should be centered on the “Creative Economy” with a focus on arts/culture, tourism, high-tech industry and a diverse accepting citizenry, DSI said in its press release.
DSI President Mark Lewis added, “Randy has led our downtown and our city through both good and bad economic times. He was relentless in his passion for our downtown recognizing it as the heart of the Salisbury-Rowan community.
“While we will definitely miss him, our board recognizes that this is the next step in Randy’s career and we wish him well in this new opportunity.”
Lewis said the organization will be seeking a new executive director and that he or she will play a vital role in economic development efforts in Salisbury in partnership with the TDA, EDC and Chamber of Commerce.
“Words alone cannot express the admiration we have for Randy and appreciation for his work with our downtown,” Lewis added. “He has clearly left us our community in a great position to continue the collaborative efforts in process to further position Salisbury as a leader in the creative economy.”
Hemann said it has been a blessing for him to be in Salisbury as part of “something much bigger than one person or one organization.”
“While I tender my resignation with sadness,” Hemann said, “I move on with excitement regarding a new challenge and the opportunity to take what I have learned and help another great North Carolina city.
Hemann said working with board members, city staff and DSI staff, “as well as so many great committee members and volunteers has been an incredible experience that I know God has used to prepare me for the next chapter in my life.”
He singled out board members such as Mike Fuller, Paul Fisher, Lewis and Bill Burgin, former city staff members David Treme and Joe Morris and DSI staff Betz McKeown and Shuntale Smith.
“Thank you for your commitment to Salisbury and for the privilege of working alongside you in service to the city,” Hemann said in his statement to the board.
“I appreciate your continued prayers as my family moves on to a new calling and a new home.”
Contact Mark Wineka at 704-797-4263.